Week 6: Expectorants: Upper Respiratory Disorder Med

Question 1

Expectorants Drugs

Answer 1

guaifenesin

Question 2

Expected Pharmacologic Action

Answer 2

• promotes increased cough production by increasing and thinning mucous secretions
• allows clients to decrease chest congestion by coughing out secretions

Question 3

Therapeutic Use

Answer 3

• cough
• often combined with antitussives, or a decongestant for treating manifestations of colds, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, or for cough caused by lower respiratory disorders

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

• GI upset
• drowsiness, dizziness
• allergic reaction (rash)
• bronchospasm

Question 5

Medication Administration

Answer 5

• take with a full glass of water
• take with food
• stop if allergic reaction occurs
• available in tablets and capsules

Question 6

Contraindications

Answer 6

• pregnancy risk category C
• caution should be taken regarding clients who have asthma because guaifenesin can cause bronchospasm
• patients who are breastfeeding; talk to provider before taking meds containing guaifenesin
• may be contraindicated for children

Question 7

Nursing Interventions

Answer 7

• tablets should not be crushed
• capsules can be opened to sprinkle on foods
• report a cough lasting longer than 1 week to the provider
• do not give to people who have asthma

Question 8

Client Education

Answer 8

• take doses with a full glass of water and continue optimal fluid intake
• read over-the-counter labels carefully to discover what medications have been combined in the preparation
• do not take prior to driving
• stop taking guaifenesin if rash or other manifestations of allergy occur

Question 9

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness

Answer 9

• cough is more productive and mucous is easier to expectorate
• chest congestion is decreased