Which benefit does a mucolytic drug have for clearing congestion and improving breathing? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Dissolves mucus
- Decreases fluid in the respiratory tract
- Increases the thickness of respiratory secretions
- Decreases the thickness of respiratory secretions
- Increases fluid in the respiratory tract
Which risk explains why it is important to ask a patient taking guaifenesin if they are experiencing back pain?
Exactly!It may cause a gastrointestinal infection.It may form kidney stones.It may strain muscles or ligaments.It may cause high blood pressure.
Which side effect or adverse reaction is associated with taking a mucolytic? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Dry eyes
- Rash
- Joint ache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
Which reason explains why it is important to monitor patients taking mucolytics?
To check that secretions become thicker and are increased
To ensure that a dry cough results
To ensure that secretions become thinner and are decreased
To check that the patient does not drink fluids
Which response would the nurse provide when a patient asks why they should avoid driving when taking a mucolytic?
“It may cause excitability.”
“It may cause dizziness.”
“Blurred vision may occur.”
“Nausea may occur.”
Which statement describes how antitussives act peripherally in the body?
They act by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract.
They act by working on the cough center of the brain.
They act by soothing irritated areas in the throat.
They act by making the patient feel dizzy upon standing.
Match each antitussive with its correct dosage.
100 mg orally every 8 hours
Select an answer
10–20 mg orally every 4 hours PRN or 30 mg orally every 6–8 hours PRN
Select an answer
Select an answer
benzonatate
dextromethorphan
promethazine and codeine
Which statement describes why the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine is controlled?
Many pharmacies do not have adequate supplies of ephedrine to fill prescriptions.
Many pharmacies want to control the side effects that patients display after taking the drugs.
The drugs have been used for the illegal synthesis of amphetamines or methamphetamines.
The drugs have been used for the illegal sale of asthma medications for minors.
Which information would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the administration of antitussives? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Use them only for a short time.
Discontinue after first use if the cough persists.
Avoid tasks that require alertness.
Take only when a coughing spell lasts for at least 10 minutes.
Do not take without a prescription.
Which symptom is the most common reaction to taking antitussive drugs?
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Heartburn
Hyperactivity
Question 1 of 7
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For which condition would the nurse expect a mucolytic to be prescribed for a patient?
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- AsthmaMucolytics are not typically prescribed to treat asthma.
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- Allergic rhinitisMucolytics are not used to treat allergic rhinitis.
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- Pulmonary edemaMucolytics are not used to treat pulmonary edema.
- Correct
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)A mucolytic is a drug that decreases the thickness of respiratory secretions and aids in their removal. It is useful in the treatment of COPD when thick mucus is a complication.
Question 2 of 7
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Which teaching would the nurse provide to a patient who is prescribed a mucolytic? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Correct
- “Report any development of back pain.”The patient should be instructed to report back pain because high doses of this medication are associated with the formation of kidney stones.
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- “Use the medication for a chronic cough.”The medication is not to be taken for a chronic cough, as this could indicate a more serious condition.
- Correct
- “Increase your intake of oral fluid each day.”The patient should be instructed to increase the intake of oral fluids to help thin secretions.
- Correct
- “Breathe humidified air to help thin secretions.”The patient should be instructed to breathe humidified air, as this will help thin secretions and aid in expectoration.
- Correct
- “Take each dose of the medication with a full glass of water.”The patient should be instructed to take the medication with a full glass of water to help thin secretions.
Question 3 of 7
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Which instruction would the nurse provide to assist the patient taking a mucolytic to cough more effectively?
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- “Lie in a prone position.”The prone position will not help produce an effective cough.
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- “Lean forward in a seated position.”Leaning forward in a seated position will not help produce an effective cough.
- Correct
- “Sit upright, and take several deep breaths.”To cough effectively, the patient should be instructed to sit upright and take several deep breaths before trying to cough.
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- “Raise your neck and chin upward, and breathe through your nose.”Raising the neck and chin upward while breathing through the nose will not help produce an effective cough.
Question 4 of 7
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Which instruction would the nurse provide to explain the mechanism of action of an antitussive medication? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- “The medication relieves bronchoconstriction.”Antitussives do not relieve bronchoconstriction.
- Correct
- “The medication soothes irritated areas in the throat.”Antitussives are used to relieve or suppress coughing by soothing irritated areas in the throat.
- Correct
- “The medication works on the cough center in the brain.”Antitussives are used to relieve or suppress coughing by working centrally on the cough center in the brain.
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- “The medication reduces the release of histamine from the mast cells.”Antitussives do not reduce the release of histamine from the mast cells.
- Correct
- “The medication anesthetizes stretch receptors in the respiratory tract.”Antitussives are used to relieve or suppress coughing by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract.
Question 5 of 7
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Which assessment finding indicates that a patient is experiencing side effects from using an antitussive medication? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Correct
- NauseaCommon side effects of antitussive medications include nausea.
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- DiarrheaDiarrhea is not a side effect of antitussive medication.
- Correct
- Dry mouthA dry mouth is a common side effect of antitussive medication.
- Correct
- DrowsinessDrowsiness is a common side effect of antitussive medication.
- Correct
- Postural hypotensionPostural hypotension or low blood pressure when standing up is a common side effect of antitussive medication.
Question 6 of 7
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For which reason would a patient need a prescription to obtain an antitussive medication?
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- Has life-threatening side effectsAntitussives do not have life-threatening side effects.
- Correct
- Contains a controlled substanceAntitussives containing controlled substances usually require a prescription.
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- Is manufactured in a limited supplyAntitussives are commonly sold over the counter and are not manufactured in a limited supply.
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- Is available only with a prescriptionAntitussives are commonly sold over the counter and do not require a prescription.
Question 7 of 7
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Which instruction would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the administration of an antitussive medication? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Correct
- “Change positions slowly.”Antitussive medication can cause postural hypotension. Because of this, the patient should be instructed to change positions slowly.
- Correct
- “Use caution when driving.”Antitussive medication can cause drowsiness. Because of this, the patient should be instructed to use caution when driving.
- Correct
- “Take the medication as prescribed.”The patient should be instructed to take the medication as prescribed and not to take any extra doses.
- Correct
- “Do not take the medication with alcohol.”Because the medication can affect the cough center in the brain, alcohol may potentiate the effects and should be avoided.
- Correct
- “Avoid drinking water after taking a syrup.”The patient should be instructed to avoid drinking fluids after taking the medication if in a syrup form, as this will dilute the drug and reduce its effectiveness.