A nurse is educating a patient about the use of antitussive medications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should avoid antitussives if I have a productive cough with mucus."
"Antitussives are helpful in clearing mucus from my lungs during a productive cough."
"Using antitussives for a productive cough can lead to mucus buildup in my airways."
"Antitussives are used to suppress a dry, nonproductive cough."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "I should avoid antitussives if I have a productive cough with mucus.": Antitussives can inhibit the body’s ability to clear mucus when coughing is suppressed. In the case of a productive cough, clearing secretions is essential to prevent airway obstruction and secondary infections.
B. "Antitussives are helpful in clearing mucus from my lungs during a productive cough.": Antitussives reduce the cough reflex and do not aid in mucus clearance. Their use during a productive cough can lead to mucus retention, worsening congestion and increasing the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
C. "Using antitussives for a productive cough can lead to mucus buildup in my airways.": Suppressing a productive cough prevents the expulsion of mucus, which can accumulate in the lungs. This can impair gas exchange and create an environment for bacterial growth.
D. "Antitussives are used to suppress a dry, nonproductive cough.": These medications are most appropriate when there is no mucus to expel. They help reduce the frequency and intensity of dry coughing, especially when it interferes with sleep or comfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cardiotoxicity: While NSAIDs can contribute to cardiovascular risks such as hypertension and fluid retention, nephrotoxicity is the more direct explanation for the elevated kidney function tests and potassium level. Cardiotoxicity typically presents with symptoms like heart failure or arrhythmias rather than kidney-related lab abnormalities.
B. Nephrotoxicity: NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which plays a key role in maintaining renal blood flow, especially in older adults or those with preexisting renal impairment. Chronic NSAID use can reduce glomerular filtration, leading to elevated creatinine, hyperkalemia, and worsening blood pressure control, all of which are evident in this patient.
C. Neurotoxicity: Neurotoxic effects are not commonly associated with NSAID use. Symptoms of neurotoxicity include confusion or seizures, which are not relevant to the clinical findings in this scenario.
D. Hepatotoxicity: NSAID-induced liver injury is rare and would typically present with elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT), not elevated creatinine or potassium. The current lab findings and blood pressure changes are more consistent with kidney involvement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dry Cough: A dry cough is not typically associated with salicylate toxicity. It is more commonly seen in conditions like ACE inhibitor use, respiratory infections, or asthma, and does not help distinguish salicylate overdose.
B. Xanthopsia (Yellow Vision): This visual disturbance is more classically linked to digoxin toxicity, not salicylates. Patients experiencing digoxin toxicity may report seeing halos or yellow-tinted vision, but this is not seen with aspirin overdose.
C. Moon Facies: This refers to a rounded facial appearance typically caused by chronic corticosteroid use and is a hallmark of Cushingoid features, not salicylate toxicity.
D. Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a classic early symptom of salicylate toxicity. It often precedes more serious effects like metabolic acidosis, hyperventilation, confusion, and even seizures. It serves as an important clinical clue when assessing patients with possible aspirin overdose.
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