A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive, thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?

Choice A reason: The client waits 10 min between inhalations is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should wait at least 1 min between inhalations to allow the medication to reach the lungs and avoid overdose.

Choice B reason: The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler is the correct answer. This is the correct way to use an albuterol inhaler. The client should breathe in quickly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler to release the medication. This ensures that the medication is delivered to the airways and not the mouth or throat.

Choice C reason: The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should exhale before using the inhaler, not during or after. Exhaling while using the inhaler can cause the medication to be wasted or to irritate the mouth or throat.

Choice D reason: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should hold his breath for only a few seconds after inhaling the medication, not 10 seconds. Holding the breath for too long can cause dizziness, headache, or chest discomfort.

Choice A reason: Benzonatate is not the correct answer. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs. It does not help in the removal of mucus.

Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is the correct answer. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening the mucus in the airways. It helps in the removal of mucus by making it easier to cough up.

Choice C reason: Diphenhydramine is not the correct answer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It does not help in the removal of mucus.

Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is not the correct answer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. It does not help in the removal of mucus.