A patient has questions regarding a recently prescribed antitussive agent. Which response by the nurse is the best?
"It will reduce the frequency of your cough."
"It should be used in the morning."
"It should be taken before sleep."
"It will eliminate your cough at night."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "It will reduce the frequency of your cough. Antitussives suppress the cough reflex and may reduce how often the patient coughs. However, this answer is vague and does not address the patient's concern and doesn't provide specific guidance on usage.
B. "It should be used in the morning." Antitussives are not recommended for use in the morning unless the cough is disruptive to daytime function. Taking them in the morning could lead to daytime drowsiness, if the medication contains sedating agents like codeine.
C. "It should be taken before sleep." This is the best response because antitussives are often most beneficial at night when coughing can disrupt sleep. Administering them before bed helps reduce nocturnal coughing and supports rest, which is essential for recovery.
D. "It will eliminate your cough at night." While antitussives may greatly reduce coughing, they do not guarantee total elimination of the cough. This statement creates unrealistic expectations and may mislead the patient regarding the effectiveness of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Take an extra dose if the cough is accompanied by fever:Increasing the dosage without medical direction is unsafe and could lead to overdose or side effects. A fever with a cough may indicate infection and should prompt medical evaluation, not increased self-dosing.
B. Take the tablet with a full glass of water:Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in the airways. Taking it with a full glass of water enhances its effectiveness by promoting hydration, which is essential for thinning and mobilizing secretions.
C. Crush the sustained-release tablet if immediate relief is needed:Sustained-release tablets should never be crushed, as this destroys the time-release mechanism and can lead to rapid drug release and toxicity.
D. Be aware of irritability as a side effect:Irritability is not a common or expected side effect of guaifenesin. More typical side effects include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. This instruction is misleading and not relevant for patient education.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A venturi mask: The Venturi mask is often used in patients with COPD. However, it may cause dryness and irritation in the nasal passages and sinuses due to non-humidified, high-flow delivery, which could aggravate existing sinus conditions.
B. A nasal cannula: While nasal cannulas are less drying than masks and suitable for low-flow oxygen delivery, they can still cause mucosal dryness when used without humidification, particularly in patients with sinus issues.
C. High-flow oxygen via nasal cannula: High-flow nasal cannula therapy provides warmed, humidified oxygen, but at higher rates than needed for most patients starting oxygen therapy. It is more appropriate for acute respiratory failure than for routine use in sinus conditions.
D. Adding humidification to the oxygen setup: Humidifying oxygen helps prevent nasal and sinus mucosal dryness and irritation, making it beneficial for patients with sinus disorders. Moisture improves comfort and protects the integrity of the upper airway mucosa during oxygen therapy.
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