A 12-year-old on twice-daily inhaled corticosteroids reports inconsistent use. In client-centered care, what is the first step the clinician should take?

A 12-year-old on twice-daily inhaled corticosteroids reports inconsistent use. In client-centered care, what is the first step the clinician should take?

• A. Reviewing the asthma action plan with the parent and the child
• B. Asking the child to describe usual daily routines
• C. Teaching the child how the medication will help to control asthma symptoms
• D. Referring the family to a social worker

Answer: (B)

In client-centered care, the first step is to understand how the child’s actual daily life affects medication use. Asking the child to describe their usual daily routines helps reveal real-world barriers to adherence—like when mornings are rushed, school schedules, after-school activities, or forgetfulness during certain parts of the day. This information lets the clinician tailor a feasible plan that fits the child’s life and engages them in the decision-making process. Reviewing the asthma action plan or teaching how the medication works are important, but they assume a situation that already accounts for adherence challenges. Referring to a social worker is appropriate if there are broader psychosocial barriers identified, but the initial step is to map out the child’s routine to inform a practical, collaborative approach.

In client-centered care, the first step is to understand how the child’s actual daily life affects medication use. Asking the child to describe their usual daily routines helps reveal real-world barriers to adherence—like when mornings are rushed, school schedules, after-school activities, or forgetfulness during certain parts of the day. This information lets the clinician tailor a feasible plan that fits the child’s life and engages them in the decision-making process.

Reviewing the asthma action plan or teaching how the medication works are important, but they assume a situation that already accounts for adherence challenges. Referring to a social worker is appropriate if there are broader psychosocial barriers identified, but the initial step is to map out the child’s routine to inform a practical, collaborative approach.