The physician has ordered acetylcysteine for a COPD patient with a large amount of secretions. Upon assessment, you noticed that the patient has an inadequate cough. Which of the following would you recommend?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Nasotracheal suctioning after treatment. This option is the most appropriate because the patient has an inadequate cough, indicating an inability to effectively clear secretions. Nasotracheal suctioning can help remove the excess secretions and improve the patient's respiratory status. Option A) Perform a bronchoalveolar lavage is incorrect because it is an invasive procedure that is not indicated for this situation. It is more appropriate for obtaining samples for diagnostic purposes rather than managing secretions. Option C) Postpone therapy until the patient can cough effectively is not recommended as it can lead to further complications due to the presence of excessive secretions, which can impair breathing and oxygenation. Option D) Give dornase alpha instead of acetylcysteine is incorrect because dornase alpha is indicated for cystic fibrosis to reduce the viscosity of secretions, not in the scenario of COPD with inadequate cough. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind selecting appropriate interventions based on the patient's condition. Understanding the principles of airway management and respiratory care is essential in providing safe and effective treatment for patients with respiratory conditions like COPD.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is a potent opioid antagonist that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the narcotic, and reversing its effects. It is the drug of choice for managing opioid overdoses as it can rapidly restore normal respiration by blocking the central and peripheral effects of opioids. Option B) Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, not an antagonist like naloxone, so it would not be appropriate for reversing an opioid overdose. Option C) Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation, not for reversing opioid overdoses. Option D) Vecuronium is a muscle relaxant used for intubation and mechanical ventilation, but it does not reverse the effects of opioids on respiration. Educationally, understanding the mechanism of action of drugs is crucial for making effective clinical decisions. Naloxone's ability to competitively antagonize opioid receptors and reverse respiratory depression is a fundamental concept in pharmacology, particularly in managing opioid overdoses. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be familiar with the specific actions of drugs to provide optimal patient care in emergency situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the adverse effects of drugs is crucial for safe medication administration. In the case of theophylline, a bronchodilator used in respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, the correct adverse effect associated with its use is cardiac dysrhythmias (option A). Theophylline can lead to cardiac toxicity, causing dysrhythmias due to its effect on increasing heart rate and contractility. Option B, convulsions, is not typically associated with theophylline use but is more commonly seen with drugs like theophylline's close relative, aminophylline. Option C, oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth and is not a known adverse effect of theophylline. Option D, headache, is a common side effect of theophylline but not considered as severe or directly related to cardiac dysrhythmias. Educationally, understanding the specific adverse effects of drugs like theophylline helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions when prescribing or administering medications. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring patients for signs of cardiac toxicity when using theophylline to prevent serious complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is A) Carvedilol. Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause bronchospasm in asthmatic patients due to its antagonistic effects on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, which normally help to dilate the bronchioles. By blocking these receptors, Carvedilol can exacerbate bronchoconstriction in asthmatic individuals, leading to catastrophic bronchospasm. Option B) Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used in hypertension management. It does not directly affect bronchial smooth muscle tone and is not known to cause bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Option C) Adenosine is a bronchoconstrictor that is used in diagnostic testing for asthma. While it can induce bronchospasm as part of its intended diagnostic use, it is not typically administered to asthmatic patients as a therapeutic agent. Option D) Lidocaine (lignocaine) is a local anesthetic that does not have a direct effect on bronchial smooth muscle tone and is not associated with causing catastrophic bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Educationally, understanding the effects of different medications on respiratory function is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when managing patients with conditions like asthma. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about drug therapy to prevent adverse events and optimize patient outcomes. Asthma management requires a nuanced understanding of medications that can potentially trigger bronchospasm, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to be well-versed in pharmacology concepts related to respiratory drugs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this pharmacology respiratory drugs Quizlet question, the correct answer is D) Tincture Ipecacuanaha. Tincture of Ipecacuanha is a nauseate expectorant used to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning. It acts by irritating the stomach lining and stimulating the vomiting reflex. This action helps to expel toxins from the body. A) Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in various physiological functions, but it is not a nauseate expectorant. B) Pholcodine is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and does not have expectorant properties. C) Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent that helps to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, but it is not a nauseate expectorant. Educationally, understanding the different types of respiratory drugs and their specific mechanisms of action is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when treating respiratory conditions. Knowing the correct use of medications helps prevent adverse effects and ensures optimal patient outcomes.