A nurse is assessing a client who takes salmeterol to treat moderate asthma. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective



Answer :

If the nurse wants to determine if the salmeterol medication has been effective in treating the client's moderate asthma, they should look for improvements in the client's respiratory status and overall symptoms. Specifically, the nurse should assess for the following findings:

Decrease in Respiratory Symptoms: The client should experience a reduction in asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. If the client reports fewer or milder episodes of these symptoms, it suggests that the medication is effective.

Improved Lung Function: The nurse may perform pulmonary function tests (such as spirometry) to assess the client's lung function. Effective medication should lead to improved airflow, as evidenced by increased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Increased Activity Tolerance: The client should be able to engage in physical activities with less difficulty breathing compared to before starting the medication. If the client reports being able to participate in activities without experiencing significant asthma symptoms, it indicates effectiveness.

Reduced Reliance on Rescue Medication: The need for rescue medication (such as short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol) should decrease with effective long-term control medication like salmeterol. If the client requires less frequent or lower doses of rescue medication, it suggests that their asthma is better controlled.

Improved Quality of Life: Effective asthma management should lead to an overall improvement in the client's quality of life, including better sleep, fewer missed school or work days, and less interference with daily activities.

By assessing these findings, the nurse can determine whether salmeterol is effectively managing the client's asthma.

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