Question

a client is newly diagnosed with asthma and the nurse is educating the client on what inhaler to use first in the event of an asthma attack. which inhaler should the nurse explain should be used initially?

fluticasone
albuterol
budesonide
tiotropium

Explanation:

Identify the clinical scenario

Using the Asthma Management knowledge point

The clinical scenario describes a client experiencing an acute asthma attack. The nurse must identify which medication is used first as a quick-relief (rescue) bronchodilator to resolve acute bronchoconstriction.

Analyze the medication options

• Albuterol: A short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that acts rapidly to relax bronchial smooth muscle, making it the first-line rescue medication during an acute attack.
• Fluticasone and Budesonide: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) used for long-term control and daily maintenance therapy to reduce airway inflammation; they do not provide immediate bronchodilation.
• Tiotropium: A long-acting anticholinergic (LAMA) used for daily maintenance therapy in COPD and severe asthma, not for acute rescue.

Select the correct intervention

Albuterol is the correct choice because it provides rapid relief of acute asthma symptoms.

Answer:

• Fluticasone
• Albuterol (Correct answer)
• Budesonide
• Tiotropium