A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient prescribed Guaifenesin. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates correct understanding of the medication's use?
"This will make it easier to cough up mucus."
"I should take this medication with other cough suppressants for best results."
"This medication will eliminate my cough within 24 hours."
"I should avoid drinking fluids while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "This will make it easier to cough up mucus.": Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning respiratory tract secretions, making it easier to mobilize and expel mucus through coughing. It does not suppress the cough reflex but facilitates a more productive cough.
B. "I should take this medication with other cough suppressants for best results.": Combining an expectorant like guaifenesin with a cough suppressant can be counterproductive. Suppressing the cough may prevent the effective clearing of loosened mucus, potentially worsening congestion.
C. "This medication will eliminate my cough within 24 hours.": Guaifenesin does not provide immediate relief and does not "eliminate" coughs. Its effectiveness depends on consistent use, and improvement may take a few days depending on the underlying cause of the cough.
D. "I should avoid drinking fluids while taking this medication.": Adequate fluid intake is essential while taking guaifenesin, as it enhances the medication's mucolytic effects. Dehydration can reduce its effectiveness and make secretions thicker and harder to clear.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. To decrease the cost of medication for the patient: While cost may be a consideration in long-term therapy, it is not the primary reason for tapering corticosteroids. The tapering process is necessary to protect the patient’s physiological balance, not driven by cost concerns.
B. To prevent the risk of acute adrenal insufficiency: Long-term prednisone use suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by hypotension, fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances. Gradual tapering allows the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production.
C. To minimize the potential for drug interactions: Tapering does not reduce drug interactions. Such risks are managed through medication reconciliation and monitoring, not by adjusting steroid taper schedules.
D. To reduce the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis flare-up: While tapering may reduce flare risk, the primary concern is adrenal suppression. Flare prevention is managed with other disease-modifying agents rather than the tapering schedule alone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Montelukast: This leukotriene receptor antagonist is used for long-term asthma control and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is not effective for treating acute asthma attacks due to its delayed onset of action.
B. Salmeterol: This is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy in asthma. It has a slower onset and should never be used for rapid symptom relief during an acute attack, as doing so can delay appropriate treatment.
C. Albuterol: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid bronchodilation and is the first-line rescue medication for aborting an acute asthma attack. It works within minutes to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.
D. Beclomethasone: This inhaled corticosteroid is used for long-term asthma management by reducing airway inflammation. It is not effective in acute situations because it does not provide immediate bronchodilation.
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