A client with a cold is taking an antitussive medication. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Expectorating bronchial secretions.
Reports reduced nasal discharge.
Able to sleep through the night.
Denies having coughing spells.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Expectorating bronchial secretions: This outcome is more closely associated with expectorants, which loosen mucus in the airways. Antitussives, by contrast, suppress the cough reflex and are not intended to increase mucus clearance or productive coughing.
B. Reports reduced nasal discharge: Reduced nasal discharge is typically an effect of decongestants or antihistamines, not antitussive medications. Antitussives target the cough reflex, not nasal secretions.
C. Able to sleep through the night: While improved sleep may result from reduced coughing, it is a secondary and nonspecific outcome. The ability to sleep could be influenced by other factors such as overall symptom relief, not necessarily the effectiveness of the antitussive alone.
D. Denies having coughing spells: Antitussives are designed to suppress the cough reflex, particularly in cases of dry, nonproductive cough. A report of no more coughing spells directly reflects the intended therapeutic effect of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Describe how anabolic steroids increase muscle strength to improve athletic performance: While anabolic steroids do enhance muscle mass and strength, emphasizing this could inadvertently normalize or encourage their misuse rather than addressing the serious health risks involved.
B. Advise of the need to observe for changes in behavior, such as increased aggression: Anabolic steroids can cause mood disturbances, including aggression, irritability, and even psychiatric symptoms. Educating the parent to monitor for behavioral changes is critical for early intervention.
C. Explain that this is a schedule II controlled substance: Anabolic steroids are actually classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, not Schedule II. Providing inaccurate information could lead to confusion and mismanagement of the situation.
D. Encourage a clinic visit to assess the adolescent for cardiovascular complications: Steroid use can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems like hypertension, lipid abnormalities, and myocardial damage. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to detect early complications.
E. Identify the use of any other herbal supplements: Adolescents who misuse anabolic steroids may also be using other supplements or substances that could have dangerous interactions. A full assessment of all substances being used is important for comprehensive care and counseling.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L): Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, and an increase in hemoglobin is the primary indicator of the drug’s effectiveness. A hemoglobin of 12 g/dL reflects a significant therapeutic improvement in anemia management for a client with CKD.
B. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue: Although feeling more energetic is a positive clinical sign, it is subjective and does not provide objective evidence of improved red blood cell production. Lab values are preferred for evaluating medication effectiveness.
C. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods: Dietary improvements support erythropoiesis but are not the direct measure of epoetin alfa’s effect. The medication’s success is best gauged by the actual rise in hemoglobin, not dietary habits alone.
D. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects: Iron supplementation is often needed to maximize epoetin alfa’s effect, but merely tolerating iron therapy does not confirm that epoetin alfa is working to correct the anemia. The focus remains on hemoglobin response.
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