ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 36 : Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants Questions
Question 1 of 5
A gardener needs a decongestant because of sinus problems and asks the nurse whether he should take an oral form or a nasal spray. Which of these is a benefit of orally administered decongestants?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drugs administered by the oral route produce prolonged decongestant effects, but the onset of action is more delayed and the effect less potent than those of decongestants applied topically. However, the clinical problem of rebound congestion associated with topically administered drugs is almost nonexistent with oral dosage forms.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking guaifenesin as part of treatment for a sinus infection. Which instruction will the nurse include during patient teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake helps to loosen and liquefy secretions. The patient must be fully aware that any fever, chest tightness, change in sputum from clear to colored, difficult or noisy breathing, activity intolerance, or weakness needs to be reported. The patient must also report to the prescriber a fever of higher than 100.4?°F (38?°
C) or symptoms that last longer than 3 to 4 days. Decongestants do not cause sedation, and therefore the patient does not need to avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
Question 3 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Although a topically applied adrenergic nasal decongestant can be absorbed into the bloodstream, the amount absorbed is usually too small to cause systemic effects at normal dosages. Excessive dosages of these medications, however, are more likely to cause systemic effects elsewhere in the body. These may include cardiovascular effects, such as hypertension and palpitations, and central nervous system effects, such as headache, nervousness, and dizziness. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and the bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to cough. The other drugs listed do not have this effect.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal spray to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent, long-term, or excessive use of adrenergic nasal decongestants may lead to rebound congestion if used beyond the recommended time. The other instructions are incorrect.