A nurse is teaching a client about taking an expectorant to treat a cough. The nurse should explain that this type of medication has which of the following actions?
Reduces inflammation
Dries mucous membranes
Stimulates secretions
Suppresses the urge to cough
The Correct Answer is C
Expectorants are medications that help to loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and expel. They work by increasing the production of respiratory tract secretions, which helps to hydrate and thin the mucus, making it less sticky and easier to clear from the airways. By stimulating the production and secretion of mucus, expectorants promote coughing and facilitate the removal of excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.
It's important to note that expectorants are primarily used for productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm or mucus). If the cough is dry and non-productive, other types of cough suppressants or remedies may be more appropriate.
Regarding the other options:
Reduces inflammation: Expectorants do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. Anti-inflammatory medications such as glucocorticoids are typically used for reducing inflammation in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dries mucous membranes: Expectorants do not have a drying effect on mucous membranes. In fact, they work to increase the hydration and fluidity of respiratory secretions.
Suppresses the urge to cough: Expectorants do not suppress the urge to cough. They promote coughing by facilitating the clearance of mucus and phlegm from the airways. Cough suppressants, on the other hand, are medications used to relieve a dry, non-productive cough by suppressing the cough reflex.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that provides quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it essential to use before a corticosteroid like beclomethasone, which reduces inflammation. Using albuterol first allows for better delivery of the beclomethasone to the airways.
B. I will use both medications immediately after exercising. Albuterol may be used as a rescue inhaler before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, but beclomethasone is a maintenance medication and should not be used immediately after exercising unless prescribed.
C. "If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the beclomethasone inhaler immediately.” Beclomethasone is a long-term control medication, not a rescue inhaler. If breathing feels tight or there is an asthma attack, the client should use the albuterol inhaler for immediate relief.
D. I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart.While there is no strict rule about the timing between inhaler uses, the albuterol should be used first to open the airways, and while waiting a few minutes is acceptable, the emphasis should be on using albuterol before beclomethasone rather than a specific time frame.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Traditional antihistamines like diphenhydramine are known to have sedating properties, which can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. On the other hand, loratadine is classified as a non-sedating or second-generation antihistamine. It is designed to have less of a sedative effect, allowing individuals to take it during the day without experiencing significant drowsiness or impairment.
It is important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness with loratadine. However, compared to diphenhydramine, loratadine is generally associated with a lower risk of sedation.
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