ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 36 : Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A patient asks the nurse about the uses of the herbal product echinacea. Which use will the nurse include in the response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Common uses of echinacea include stimulation of the immune system, antisepsis, treatment of viral infections and influenza-like respiratory tract infections, and promotion of the healing of wounds and chronic ulcerations. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the nurse will include which instructions?
Correct Answer: C,D,F
Rationale: Antihistamines should be taken with food, even though this slightly reduces the absorption of the drug, so as to minimize the gastrointestinal upset that can occur. Over-the-counter medications must not be taken with an antihistamine unless approved by the physician because of the serious drug interactions that may occur. Drinking extra fluids will help to ease the removal of secretions, and activities that require alertness, such as driving, must not be engaged in until the patient knows how he or she responds to the sedating effects of antihistamines.
Question 5 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: A,D,F
Rationale: Goldenseal is contraindicated in patients with acute or chronic gastrointestinal disorders and during pregnancy (because it has uterine stimulant properties). It should be used with caution by those with cardiovascular disorders. Potential drug interactions may occur with gastric acid suppressors such as antacids, histamine H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), and proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), theoretically because of their reduced effectiveness resulting from the acid-promoting effect of the herb, and with antihypertensive drugs (because of the vasoconstrictive activity of the herb). Goldenseal is potentially useful for sinus infections and chronic nasal allergies.