A patient who is a chain smoker has been prescribed theophylline to control asthma. what course of action should the nurse take first to reduce complications?

The answer would be: Request that the primary health care provider increase the dosage of the drug.

It is important to consult the primary health care provider before giving the drug. The nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of all drug on all patient, not just theophylline. Asthma drug might have interaction with heart drug, but there should be no interaction with over-the-counter weight-control drugs.