A nurse is evaluating teaching a client who has a new prescription for montelukast to treat asthma. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A.
“I’ll rinse my mouth after taking this medication.”
B.
“I’ll take this medication when I get an asthma attack.”
C.
“I use a spacer device when I inhale this medication.”
D.
“I’ll take this medication once a day in the evening.”
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. “I’ll take this medication once a day in the evening.”
Explanation:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist primarily prescribed for managing asthma and allergic rhinitis. It works by blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory chemicals the body releases during an allergic reaction or asthma attack. These chemicals can cause swelling, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, leading to asthma symptoms.
Why Answer D is Correct:
Montelukast is generally taken once daily in the evening because asthma symptoms tend to worsen at night and in the early morning. By taking it in the evening, the drug can help prevent nighttime asthma symptoms and improve lung function overnight. The timing maximizes the drug’s effectiveness in controlling chronic asthma, although it is not a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks.
Explanation of Incorrect Answers:
- A. “I’ll rinse my mouth after taking this medication.”
This applies to inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone), not montelukast. Rinsing the mouth after inhaling corticosteroids prevents oral candidiasis (thrush), but montelukast is an oral medication taken in pill form, so rinsing the mouth is unnecessary. - B. “I’ll take this medication when I get an asthma attack.”
Montelukast is not a rescue medication. It is used for long-term control of asthma, not for treating acute symptoms or asthma attacks. For acute attacks, short-acting beta agonists like albuterol are typically prescribed. - C. “I use a spacer device when I inhale this medication.”
A spacer is used with inhaled medications like metered-dose inhalers to help ensure proper delivery of the drug to the lungs. Since montelukast is not an inhaled medication, this statement is incorrect.
In conclusion, montelukast is best used as a preventive medication taken once daily in the evening to manage chronic asthma and should not be used for immediate relief of symptoms.