What beneficial effect does fluticasone have when taken by a client with asthma?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that is commonly prescribed for asthma management. Its primary beneficial effect is the reduction of airway swelling and inflammation. Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, which leads to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. By reducing this inflammation, fluticasone helps open the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe and decreasing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Corticosteroids like fluticasone work at the cellular level to inhibit the immune response that contributes to inflammation. This results in a decreased production of inflammatory mediators, consequently leading to reduced swelling and mucus production in the airways.

The other options do not accurately reflect the pharmacological action of fluticasone. Increased heart rate is not a desired effect of this medication; rather, it may be associated with other forms of asthma treatment, such as bronchodilators. Increased mucus production would generally be counterproductive to relieving asthma symptoms. Enhanced inhaler technique, while important for effective medication delivery, is not a direct effect of fluticasone itself but rather a skill that patients can learn for better medication efficacy. Thus, the reduction of airway swelling is the most accurate and beneficial