ATI Adult Medical Surgical Related

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For a patient with asthma, what is the primary purpose of prescribing salmeterol?

  • A. Relieve acute bronchospasm
  • B. Prevent asthma attacks
  • C. Suppress cough
  • D. Thin respiratory secretions
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing salmeterol is to prevent asthma attacks. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist that helps to relax the muscles of the airways over an extended period, reducing the likelihood of bronchospasms and asthma exacerbations. It is not used for relieving acute bronchospasm (choice A), suppressing cough (choice C), or thinning respiratory secretions (choice D) as these are not the main therapeutic effects of salmeterol in asthma management.