A patient with asthma describes wheezing, dyspnea, and coughing episodes once or twice a month lasting 1-2 days. The patient uses an inhaled bronchodilator for symptom relief but does not use medication between episodes. The patient requires an oral corticosteroid medication approximately once every 2 years when symptoms are more severe. The patient does not have limitations in activities or nighttime awakening with symptoms. Which plan of action does the nurse anticipate this patient will require?