CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which agent should never be prescribed as monotherapy for asthma management?

1. Mast cell stabilizers

2. Long acting beta agonists

3. Inhaled corticosteroids

4. Leukotriene inhibitors

The correct answer is: Long acting beta agonists

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) should never be prescribed as monotherapy for asthma management because they do not address the underlying inflammation associated with asthma. While LABAs are effective bronchodilators that provide relief from bronchoconstriction, they can lead to increased risk of worsening asthma symptoms or severe asthma exacerbations if used without an inhaled corticosteroid. Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma management due to their anti-inflammatory properties, significantly decreasing airway inflammation and responsiveness, which is a critical part of asthma control. Mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene inhibitors can help reduce inflammation and are often used in conjunction with other therapies, but they also do not replace the need for inhaled corticosteroids in managing persistent asthma. Combining LABAs with inhaled corticosteroids allows for both bronchodilation and the reduction of inflammation, creating a more effective and safer treatment approach for individuals with asthma. This is why using LABAs alone is not recommended and emphasizes the importance of incorporating anti-inflammatory medication into asthma treatment regimens.