Antihistamines, Decongestants/Antitussives/Expectorants

Question 1

This drug suppresses the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla. It is primarily used for productive coughs and where coughing may be harmful

Answer 1

Dextromethorphan MOA

Question 2

Commonly used in treatment of motion sickness, low sedative effects.

Answer 2

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride

Question 3

Medication with these adverse effects:
Anticholinergic effects (drying) most common
Dry mouth, difficulty urinating, constipation, changes in vision, cardio, CNS and other effects. Drowsiness

Answer 3

Antihistamines

Question 4

Occurs because of rapid absorption of drug through mucous membranes followed by rapid decline in therapeutic effectiveness of the drug

Answer 4

Rebound congestion

Question 5

Used in symptomatic management of coughs of varying origin

Answer 5

guaifenesin

Question 6

May cause drowsiness, avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.

Answer 6

guaifenesin

Question 7

Systemic affects of topical adrenergic nasal decongestant

Answer 7

Nasal steroids target the inflammatory response elicited by invading organisms. Body responds to antigens by producing inflammation to isolate or wall off the area by attracting various cells of the immune system and destroy the offending antigens

Question 8

When assessing a patient who is to receive a decongestant, the nurse will recognize that a potential contraindication to this drug would be which condition?
a) glaucoma
b) fever
c) peptic ulcer
d) allergic rhinitis

Answer 8

a) glaucoma

Question 9

When giving decongestants, the nurse must remember that theses drugs have a adrenernic stimulating effects that may result in which effect?
a) fever
b) bradycardia
c) hypertension
d) CNS depression

Answer 9

c) hypertension

Question 10

The nurse knows that an antitussive cough medication would be the best choice for which patient?
a) patient with productive cough
b) patient with chronic sinusitis
c) patient who had recent abdominal surgery
d) a patient with influenza

Answer 10

c) a patient with recent abdominal surgery

Question 11

The nurse is reviewing the medication orders for prn medications that can be given to a patient who has bronchitis with a productive cough. Which drug will the nurse choose?
a) an antitussive
b) an expectorant
c) an antihistamine
d) a decongestant

Answer 11

b) an expectorant

Question 12

A patient is taking decongestant to help reduce symptoms of a cold. The nurse will instruct the patient to observe for which possible symptom, which may indicate an adverse effects of this drug?
a) increased cough
b) dry mouth
c) slower heart rate
d) heart palpitations

Answer 12

d) heart palpitations

Question 13

The nurse is giving an antihistamine and will observe the patient for which of the following adverse? select all.
a) hypertension
b) dizziness
c) “hangover” effect
d) drowsiness
e) tachycardia
f) dry mouth

Answer 13

b, c, d, f

Question 14

The nurse notes in a patients medication history that the patient is taking dextromethorphan hydrobromide (Benylin) as needed. Based on the finding, the nurse interprets that the patient has which problem?
a) cough
b) seasonal allergies
c) chronic rhinitis
d) motion sickness

Answer 14

a) cough

Question 15

What health teaching should the nurse include for a patient requesting information about antihistamines? select all
a) antihistamines are best tolerated when taken with meals
b) the patient can suck on hard candy or chew gum if dry mouth is experienced
c) the main adverse effect of antihistamines is drowsiness
d) over the counter drugs are generally safe to use with antihistamines
e) the patient should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking antihistamines.

Answer 15

a, b, c, e

Question 16

A patient asks the nurse for advice about one of the newer antihistamines that does not cause drowsiness. Which is the most appropriate drug?
a) desloratadine (Aerius)
b) diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
c) dimenhydrinate
d) clemastine

Answer 16

a) desloratadine

Question 17

Which drugs are considered first line drugs for the treatment of nasal congestion? select all.
a) antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
b) decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Vicks)
c) antitussives such as dextromethorphan
d) expectorants such as guaifenesin (Robitussin)
e) inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone

Answer 17

b, e

Question 18

When giving an antitussive, the nurse should remember that they are used primarily for what reason?
a) the relieve nasal congestion
b) to thin secretions to ease the removal of excessive secretions
c) to stop the cough reflex when the cough is nonproductive
d) to suppress productive and non productive coughs

Answer 18

c) to stop the cough reflex when the cough is nonproductive

Question 19

The nurse is preparing to administer an expectorant drug. What priority patient instructions must the nurse teach the patient?
a) avoid fluids for 30-35 min. after the dose
b) drink plenty of fluids, unless contraindicated, to aid in the expectorant of sputum.
c) avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while taking this drug
d) expect the secretions to become thicker

Answer 19

b) drink plenty of fluids, unless contraindicated, to aid in the expectorant of sputum.

Question 20

A patient has been self medicating with diphenhydramine to help her sleep. She calls the clinic nurse to as “why do I feel so tired during the day after I take this pill?” I get a good nights sleep! Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?
a) you are probably getting too much sleep
b) you are taking too much of the drug
c) this drug is not really meant to help people sleep
d)this drug often causes a “hangover effect” during the day after taking it

Answer 20

d) this drug often causes a hangover effect during the day after taking it