Ch. 36 Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants Flashcards
When giving dextromethorphan, the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex by which mechanism of action?
Having direct action on the cough center
During a routine checkup, a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine because of one of its most common adverse effects. The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient?
drowsiness
A gardener needs a decongestant because of seasonal allergy problems and asks the nurse whether he should take an oral form or a nasal spray. The nurse’s answer considers that one benefit of orally administered decongestants is
lack of rebound congestion
A patient is taking guaifenesin (Humibid) as part of treatment for a sinus infection. Which instruction will the nurse include during patient teaching?
Force fluids to help loosen and liquefy secretions.
The nurse will instruct patients about a possible systemic effect that may occur if excessive amounts of topically applied adrenergic nasal decongestants are used. Which systemic effect may occur?
Palpitations
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?
guaifenesin (Humibid)
The nurse is reviewing the use of antitussive drugs. Antitussive drugs would be most appropriate for which patient?
A patient who has developed bronchitis 2 days after abdominal surgery
A patient has been advised to add a nasal spray (an adrenergic decongestant) to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
“Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days.”
A patient asks the nurse about the uses of echinacea. Which use will the nurse include in the response?
Boosting the immune system
When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the nurse will include which instructions? (Select all that apply.)
take with food, drink extra fluids, avoid activities that require alertness
A patient tells the nurse that she wants to start taking the herbal product goldenseal to improve her health. The nurse will assess for which potential cautions or contraindications to goldenseal? (Select all that apply.)
PPIs, hypertension, pregnancy
