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","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Stop taking the medication if you experience any side effects: Patients should never discontinue antihypertensive medications without medical guidance. Some side effects may be temporary or manageable with adjustments, so it's important to consult the provider rather than stopping the drug abruptly.
B. Make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly: Lifestyle modifications are a key part of managing hypertension and improving cardiovascular health. Diet, weight management, and regular activity can enhance medication effectiveness and reduce long-term complications.
C. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly and keep a log of the readings: Routine self-monitoring allows early detection of abnormal trends and helps evaluate how well the medication is working. A log also assists healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions and adjustments.
D. Change positions slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls: Many antihypertensive drugs can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially when therapy begins. Standing up slowly from sitting or lying positions can prevent dizziness, fainting, and injury from accidental falls.
E. It's okay to skip doses occasionally if you feel your blood pressure is under control: Skipping doses undermines blood pressure stability and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Medications must be taken regularly, even if symptoms are not noticeable.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Advise the patient to continue using the nasal decongestant but reduce the frequency to once daily: Continued use, even at a reduced frequency, may not resolve the underlying issue. Prolonged use of topical nasal decongestants can lead to rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa), which won't improve without discontinuation.
B. Suggest increasing the dosage of the current nasal decongestant to manage congestion: Increasing the dosage worsens rebound congestion and the dependence cycle. Higher doses can also raise the risk of systemic side effects such as elevated blood pressure or tachycardia.
C. Educate the patient on discontinuing the nasal decongestant and recommend a saline nasal spray for symptom relief: This is the most appropriate intervention. Rebound congestion is best managed by stopping the decongestant. Saline sprays help moisturize nasal passages and reduce symptoms safely during withdrawal.
D. Prescribe a stronger nasal decongestant to alleviate symptoms more effectively: A stronger formulation would likely exacerbate the problem. The key to managing rhinitis medicamentosa is breaking the cycle of decongestant overuse, not intensifying it.
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