UNIT 8 Antitussive CHAPTER 30

Question 1

What is the drug class for Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

A. ARBS
B. Osmotic
C. Potassium Sparing Diureticsic
D. Antitussive

Answer 1

D. Antitussive

Question 2

What is the action of Dextromethorphan hydrobromide?

Answer 2

Act on the cough-control center in the
medulla to suppress the cough reflex’
CNS DEPRESSANT

Three types of antitussives are nonnarcotic,
narcotic, or combination preparations.
Dextromethorphan – non-narcotic

Use
Provide temporary suppression of nonproductive
cough, to reduce viscosity of tenacious secretions

Question 3

What is the Side effect of Dextromethorphan hydrobromide?

Answer 3

Side effects
◦ Nausea
◦ Dizziness
◦ Drowsiness
◦ Sedation

Question 4

What is the adverse effect of Dextromethorphan hydrobromide?

Answer 4

Psychosis, tachycardia, seizures Life-threatening: Respiratory depression, serotonin syndrome

Question 5

Contraindications of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide

Answer 5

Contraindications
◦ COPD
◦ Chronic productive cough
◦ Children under 2

◦ Interactions
◦ Other CNS depressants
◦ Grapefruit juice

Question 6

A patient is receiving dextromethorphan
(Benylin). The nurse knows the drug is
exerting its therapeutic effect when the
patient experiences
A. thinning of secretions.
B. bronchodilation.
C. decreased coughing.
D. relief of nasal congestion

Answer 6

Answer: C
Rationale: Dextromethorphan (Benylin) is an antitussive which acts on the
cough-control center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex.

Question 7

Which statement about dextromethorphan
does the nurse identify as being true?
A. It is a narcotic antitussive.
B. It suppresses the cough center of the medulla.
C. It suppresses respirations.
D. It causes physical dependence

Answer 7

B. It suppresses the cough center of the medulla.

◦ Rationale: Dextromethorphan, a nonnarcotic antitussive, suppresses the
cough center in the medulla but does not depress respiration. It causes
neither physical dependence nor tolerance.