A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed nebulized Acetylcysteine for thick respiratory secretions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure effective secretion clearance after administration of the medication?
Instruct the patient to limit their fluid intake
Perform chest physiotherapy
Instruct the patient to avoid coughing to prevent airway irritation
Administer a bronchodilator
The Correct Answer is B
A. Instruct the patient to limit their fluid intake: Limiting fluids can worsen secretion thickness and impair mucociliary clearance. Hydration is essential for thinning secretions and supporting the action of mucolytics like Acetylcysteine.
B. Perform chest physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy, including percussion and postural drainage, helps mobilize loosened secretions following Acetylcysteine administration. This facilitates airway clearance and improves ventilation and oxygenation.
C. Instruct the patient to avoid coughing to prevent airway irritation: Coughing is a natural and beneficial response that helps expel mucus after mucolytic therapy. Inhibiting the cough reflex can lead to secretion retention and airway obstruction.
D. Administer a bronchodilator: While bronchodilators may be helpful in patients with bronchospasm, they are not required after every dose of Acetylcysteine. Chest physiotherapy is more directly effective in clearing mucus after mucolytic administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["15.16"]
Explanation
Given time = 3:16 pm
For times between 1:00 pm and 11:59 pm, add 12 to the hour to convert to military time.
Hour in traditional time = 3
Military time hour = 3 + 12 = 15
The minutes remain the same.
Minutes = 16
Military time = 15:16
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cushing's syndrome: Prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Common features include weight gain (especially central), mood changes such as anxiety or irritability, insomnia, and physical changes like hirsutism (increased facial hair), moon face, and truncal obesity due to chronic hypercortisolism.
B. Adrenal insufficiency: This condition typically results from abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids, leading to fatigue, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances. It does not cause the excess cortisol-related symptoms described in this patient’s presentation.
C. Diabetes mellitus: While corticosteroids can raise blood glucose levels and increase the risk for diabetes, the described symptoms—particularly the weight distribution and hirsutism—are more indicative of Cushing’s syndrome than diabetes.
D. Dystonia: Dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It is not associated with the metabolic and hormonal effects caused by long-term corticosteroid use.
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