Ch 36 - Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants

1. When giving dextromethorphan, the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex by which mechanism of action?

a. Causing depression of the central nervous system
b. Anesthetizing the stretch receptors
c. Having direct action on the cough center
d. Decreasing the viscosity of the bronchial secretions
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1. When giving dextromethorphan, the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex by which mechanism of action?

a. Causing depression of the central nervous system
b. Anesthetizing the stretch receptors
c. Having direct action on the cough center
d. Decreasing the viscosity of the bronchial secretions
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?

a. Constipation
b. Abdominal cramps
c. Drowsiness
d. Decreased libido
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

a. immediate onset.
b. a more potent effect.
c. lack of rebound congestion.
d. shorter duration.
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?

a. Force fluids to help loosen and liquefy secretions.
b. Report clear-colored sputum to the prescriber.
c. Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery because of the sedating effects.
d. Report symptoms that last longer than 2 days.
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?

a. Heartburn
b. Bradycardia
c. Drowsiness
d. Palpitations
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?

a. guaifenesin (Humibid)
b. benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
c. diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
d. dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)
guaifenesin (Humibid)
The nurse is reviewing the use of antitussive drugs. Antitussive drugs would be most appropriate for which patient?

a. A patient who has pneumonia with a productive cough
b. A patient who has a tracheostomy and thick mucus secretions
c. A patient who has had a productive cough for 2 weeks
d. A patient who has developed bronchitis 2 days after abdominal surgery
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?

a. "You won't see effects for at least 1 week."
b. "Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days."
c. "Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved."
d. "Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops."
"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?

a. Memory enhancement
b. Boosting the immune system
c. Improving mood
d. Promoting relaxation
Boosting the immune system
When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the nurse will include which instructions? (Select all that apply.)

a. "Antihistamines are generally safe to take with over-the-counter medications."
b. "Take the medication on an empty stomach to maximize absorption of the drug."
c. "Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress."
d. "Drink extra fluids if possible."
e. "Antihistamines may cause restlessness and disturbed sleep."
f. "Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how adverse effects are tolerated."
"Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress."

"Drink extra fluids if possible."

"Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how adverse effects are tolerated."
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.) a. Taking a proton-pump inhibitor b. Nasal congestion c. Hypothyroidism d. Hypertension e. Sinus infections f. PregnancyTaking a proton-pump inhibitor Hypertension PregnancyA child will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl), 5 mg/kg/day, in divided doses, every 6 hours. The child weighs 80 pounds. How many milligrams of medication will the child receive with each dose? (Record answer using one decimal place.)45.5 mg 80 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 36.36, which rounds to 36.4 kg 5 mg/kg/day ´ 36.4 kg = 182 mg/dayA patient will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl) via a PEG tube, 25 mg, every 8 hours for an allergic rash. The medication is available as a 12.5 mg/5 mL syrup. How many milliliters will the nurse administer with each dose?10 mL 12.5 mg : 5 mL :: 25 mg : x mL