Patients should be advised not to overuse laxatives, because the smooth muscle in the colon can lose its tone. What condition should the nurse warn the client can occur if this happens?

A) This is normal.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication commonly used to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is an expected response and indicates that the medication is working as intended. Guaifenesin helps to clear the airways of excess mucus, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or chest congestion.

B) This requires further investigation.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a common and expected response and does not typically indicate a need for further investigation unless there are other concerning symptoms present. It is important for the nurse to provide reassurance and education about the expected effects of the medication.

C) This is indicative of an allergic reaction.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare but may include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If the client were experiencing these symptoms, it would be important to assess further for a possible allergic reaction and intervene accordingly.

D) This means there is probably more pathology present.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin does not necessarily indicate the presence of more pathology. It simply indicates that the medication is helping to loosen and mobilize mucus in the airways, which is a normal response to expectorant therapy. If the client has concerns about their symptoms, further assessment by a healthcare provider may be warranted, but coughing up phlegm alone is not necessarily indicative of worsening pathology.

A) Antihistamines:
Antihistamines are commonly used in the treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction, and can help alleviate symptoms such as itching, hives, and nasal congestion. Antihistamines are typically included in the treatment regimen for anaphylaxis but should not be relied upon as the sole treatment.

B) Vasodilators.
Vasodilators are medications that widen blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. In the context of anaphylaxis, where blood pressure can drop precipitously due to systemic vasodilation, the use of vasodilators can exacerbate hypotension, potentially worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, vasodilators should be avoided in the management of anaphylaxis.

C) Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, are used in the management of anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent late-phase allergic reactions. They are not typically used as first-line treatment during the acute phase of anaphylaxis but may be administered after initial stabilization to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

D) Bronchodilators:
Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are used to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While bronchospasm can occur during anaphylaxis, bronchodilators may still be used to address this symptom. However, they should be used cautiously, and their administration should not delay the administration of epinephrine, which is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis.