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?

Explanation A. Administer the medication to the toddler each evening. Montelukast is a long-term control medication used for the management of asthma in both children and adults. It is typically taken once daily in the evening to provide continuous asthma control. Consistency in taking the medication is important to maintain its effectiveness. Providing an additional dose of the medication prior to physical activity in (option B) is not a standard recommendation for montelukast use. Montelukast is not a rescue medication and does not provide immediate relief for asthma symptoms triggered by physical activity. In such cases, a short-acting bronchodilator medication, such as albuterol, is commonly used prior to physical activity. Mixing the medication in juice prior to administration in (option C) is not recommended unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider or indicated in the medication instructions. Montelukast is available in various formulations, including chewable tablets and granules, which can be taken directly or mixed with certain foods or liquids. However, the specific instructions should be followed as provided by the healthcare provider or medication label. Administering the medication when the toddler in (option D) has an acute asthma attack is not the intended use of montelukast. Montelukast is a long-term control medication aimed at preventing asthma symptoms and maintaining asthma control over time. For acute asthma attacks, a short-acting bronchodilator medication is typically used. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the parents to administer the medication to the toddler each evening (option A) as part of the routine, long-term management of asthma.