Pharmacology Ch 54 (4)

A client has expressed frustration stating, "I've been taking an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant for several days and it still hasn't really cured my cold." What teaching point should the nurse convey to the client?

"Drugs like this can often relieve some of the symptoms of a cold, but they won't cure it."

A client diagnosed with the common cold asks the nurse about taking an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications. What statement should the nurse include in client teaching?

"Follow the instructions on the label so that you don't end up making the congestion worse."

Which client statement suggests a need for additional education on the second-generation antihistamine prescribed for the client?

"I'm really hoping that these pills will cure my allergies before summer starts."

An older client diagnosed with hypertension is requesting an oral nasal decongestant for cold symptoms. Which statement by the nurse best describes the effect of decongestants on blood pressure?

"The administration of a nasal decongestant will increase blood pressure due to vasoconstriction of blood vessels."

When instructing a client in how to use a topical nasal spray, what would the nurse emphasize to do first?

Clear the nasal passages.

Which agent acts directly on the medullary cough center?

Codeine

A nurse is describing the action of a prescribed antihistamine to a client. The nurse is describing which medication, by explaining that the drug elicits its antihistamine effects by nonselectively binding to central and peripheral H1 receptors?

Diphenhydramine

A female client calls the pediatrician's office for a suggestion regarding the best over-the-counter cough and cold medicine for her 6-month-old child. The pediatrician advises against the medication for what reason?

Misuse could result in overdose.

The health care provider has ordered promethazine (Phenergan) for a client who is having a severe allergic reaction. The nurse is aware that this medication is also used to treat what condition?

Nausea and vomiting

Which is classified as a decongestant?

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

What is an adverse reaction commonly experienced by people taking nasal decongestants?

Rebound congestion

A male client is diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. What would the nurse expect to be one of his physical reports?

Retention of secretions

Expectorants elicit their effect by which mechanism?

Thinning respiratory secretions

What type of cough is best treated with dextromethorphan?

a dry, nonproductive cough

The health care provider suggests that a client use guaifenesin to help his cough. The nurse instructs the client to call the health care provider if he continues to have a productive cough after which amount of time?

1 week

A group of students are reviewing information about antihistamines. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as a second generation antihistamine?

Loratadine

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is prescribed for a client suffering from nasal and sinus congestion. What is the most important assessment the nurse should complete before the client leaves the clinic to purchase the medication?

Obtain the client's blood pressure.

What medication should be prescribed to minimize the risk associated with a blood transfusion for a client with a history of a previous transfusion reaction?

diphenhydramine

A male college student has presented to the campus medical clinic reporting cold symptoms that he has been experiencing for the past 2 weeks. He tells the nurse that he has been taking OTC decongestants twice daily since the onset of the cold. What teaching point should the nurse provide to this student?

"You might find yourself more congested than ever as your body compensates for your use of these drugs."

An adult client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for many years and has begun to experience diabetic nephropathy over the past year. How will this client's current health status influence the possible use of pseudoephedrine in the treatment of cold symptoms?

The client should use caution and will likely require a lower dose of pseudoephedrine because of impaired renal function. Rationale: Because pseudoephedrine is excreted primarily via the kidneys, caution in clients with renal impairment is important. It may be necessary to reduce the dosage to avoid potential drug accumulation and drug toxicity.