A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of asthma and a prescription for montelukast. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Administer the medication when the toddler has an acute asthma attack: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, not for acute relief. Using it during an attack will not provide rapid bronchodilation or symptom relief. B. Mix the medication in juice prior to administration: Montelukast is available in chewable tablets or granules, but mixing with juice is not always recommended without confirming compatibility and proper dosing. Safe administration instructions typically emphasize giving the dose directly as prescribed. C. Provide an additional dose of the medication prior to physical activity: Montelukast can be used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but a single daily dose is usually scheduled in the evening. Extra doses before activity are not standard practice and can increase the risk of adverse effects. D. Administer the medication to the toddler each evening: Montelukast is most effective when given consistently at the same time daily, often in the evening. Evening administration aligns with circadian patterns of asthma symptoms and helps maintain therapeutic drug levels for ongoing symptom control.