A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse instruct the client to use to abort an acute asthma attack?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Montelukast: This leukotriene receptor antagonist is used for long-term asthma control and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is not effective for treating acute asthma attacks due to its delayed onset of action. B. Salmeterol: This is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy in asthma. It has a slower onset and should never be used for rapid symptom relief during an acute attack, as doing so can delay appropriate treatment. C. Albuterol: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid bronchodilation and is the first-line rescue medication for aborting an acute asthma attack. It works within minutes to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. D. Beclomethasone: This inhaled corticosteroid is used for long-term asthma management by reducing airway inflammation. It is not effective in acute situations because it does not provide immediate bronchodilation.