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 {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Oral carbohydrates: The client is not currently hypoglycemic; in fact, the blood glucose is elevated at 279 mg/dL. Oral carbohydrates are typically given to treat low blood glucose, not high glucose. Administering carbohydrates here would worsen hyperglycemia.
Insulin lispro: The client’s blood glucose is significantly elevated and requires correction. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin designed to lower high blood glucose quickly, making it the correct medication to administer while monitoring closely for improvement.
Insulin glargine: Although the client is prescribed insulin glargine once daily, she has already received her dose earlier this morning before surgery. Giving another dose now would risk insulin stacking and dangerous hypoglycemia later, so it is not safe to administer at this point.
A bolus of IV fluids: The client is showing signs of early dehydration — thirst and low urine output — likely due to hyperglycemia-induced osmotic diuresis. Administering a bolus of IV fluids will help restore circulating volume, prevent further dehydration, and support tissue perfusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Positive guaiac of stool: A positive guaiac test indicates the presence of blood in the stool, suggesting gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the client’s history of frequent ibuprofen use, which can cause gastric ulcers and GI bleeding, this is a critical finding that must be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
B. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (130 g/L): Although slightly below the normal reference range for males, a hemoglobin of 13 g/dL is not critically low. It suggests mild anemia but is not an urgent finding compared to evidence of active gastrointestinal bleeding.
C. Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction): A hematocrit of 42% falls within the normal reference range for a male client. Therefore, this finding is stable and does not require immediate reporting in the context of the client's current symptoms.
D. Gastric pH 2: A gastric pH of 2 is within the normal range for stomach acid levels (1.5 to 3.5). The current gastric pH suggests that their acid production is within expected limits and is not the immediate concern. This value does not indicate any acute problem by itself and would not require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
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