Module 6: Nasal Congestion
A client asks, "What is the difference between antitussive medications and expectorants?" What information should the nurse's response be based upon?
Antitussives suppress coughing while expectorants loosen bronchial secretions.
A client is prescribed oxymetazoline. Which assessment data would indicate that the drug is effective?
Breathing pattern is regular and without difficulty.
When providing health education to an adult who is taking an over-the-counter (OTC) combination cold and cough remedy, the nurse should encourage the client to implement what intervention to best assure medication safety?
Carefully read the label and adhere to the guidelines for use.
A client comes to the clinic with what appears to be a cold. What group of upper respiratory drugs cause local vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow and shrinks swollen membranes to improve air flow?
Decongestants
True or false: A client with a productive cough should always be treated with an antitussive to relieve the cough.
False
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about expectorants. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which medication as an example?
Guaifenesin
What is an adverse reaction commonly experienced by people taking nasal decongestants?
Rebound congestionA client is prescribed oxymetazoline.
The nurse is listening to the respiratory therapist teaching a client about the proper use of respiratory equipment for administration of drugs such as expectorants and mucolytics when they are discharged home. The nurse knows the therapist will inform the client that the best position to do this is which?
Sitting in a high Fowler's position
An instructor is describing topical decongestants as belonging to which class?
Sympathomimetics
After teaching a group of parents about the use of over-the-counter cough and cold products with their children, which statement indicates the need for additional teaching?
"We can use the adult brand, but we just have to decrease the amount."
