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 D
Explanation
A. “I will rest my hand over my abdomen to create resistance.” This technique is used for diaphragmatic breathing exercises, not incentive spirometry. It does not help assess or improve lung expansion, which is the primary goal of using the incentive spirometer.
B. “I will lie on my back with my knees bent.” While lying down may be appropriate for some breathing exercises, the incentive spirometer is best used in a sitting or upright position. Sitting allows for maximal lung expansion and facilitates more effective use of the device.
C. “I will place the adapter on my finger to read my blood oxygen saturation level.” This describes the use of a pulse oximeter, not an incentive spirometer. The spirometer measures inspiratory volume, while pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen saturation.
D. "I will take in a deep breath and hold it before exhaling." The client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, hold the breath for several seconds to promote alveolar inflation, then exhale. This process helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client's sodium and chloride levels will rise:CO₂ retention affects acid-base balance more directly than it affects electrolyte concentrations like sodium or chloride. Changes in these levels may occur in severe or chronic cases, but they are not the initial response.
B. The client's arterial blood gas results will reflect acidosis:When CO₂ accumulates in the blood due to hypoventilation, it forms carbonic acid, lowering blood pH. This results in respiratory acidosis, which is typically the earliest and most direct physiological response to CO₂ retention.
C. The client will lose consciousness:Loss of consciousness may occur if CO₂ levels rise dramatically and go uncorrected. However, this is a late sign of severe respiratory failure, not the initial or most sensitive indicator.
D. The client will complain of facial numbness and tingling:These symptoms are more characteristic of respiratory alkalosis, often due to hyperventilation, not CO₂ retention. In respiratory acidosis, symptoms are more likely to include drowsiness, confusion, or headache.
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