Pharmacology Ch 54 (1)

A client is prescribed oxymetazoline. Which assessment data would indicate that the drug is effective?

Breathing pattern is regular and without difficulty.

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

A nurse caring for a client in the hospital is being discharged today with a prescription for benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) 200 mg one capsule 3 times daily. What would the nurse tell the client about this prescription during discharge counseling? (Select all that apply.)

- Benzonatate can cause GI upset and sedation. - The client should drink plenty fluids.

The physician has order promethazine (Phenergan) for a client who is nauseated and vomiting. Which would be an appropriate route of administering promethazine to the client? (Select all that apply.)

- Intramuscularly (IM) - Intravenously (IV) Rationale: IM or IV would be the best routes for administration of promethazine for this client. Promethazine can also be given orally as an antiemetic; however, if the client is actively vomiting the tablet might be regurgitated before it can be absorbed to elicit its effect.

Acetylcysteine may be used as a mucolytic agent. What is an additional indication for the drug?

Antidote for acetaminophen poisoning

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 male client presents to the health care provider's office for his annual visit. When questioned about over-the-counter medication use, he states that he uses echinacea to prevent colds. What statement is true about echinacea?

There is limited or no support for the use of echinacea to prevent or treat symptoms of the common cold. Rationale: There is limited or no support for the use of dietary or herbal supplements to prevent or treat symptoms of the common cold.

Meclizine is used to relieve the nausea and vomiting that occurs with motion sickness.

True

Mucolytics are often used for patients with cystic fibrosis, COPD, or tuberculosis.

True

When describing the action of decongestants, a nurse integrates knowledge of this class of drugs, identifying which mechanism?

Vasoconstriction of small blood vessels of the nasal membranes Rationale: First-generation antihistamines act to nonselectively bind to peripheral H1 receptors; the mechanism of action for second-generation antihistamines is to selectively bind to peripheral H1 receptors only; and peripherally acting antitussives anesthetize stretch receptors in the respiratory passages.

What medication would be administered to counteract the effect of acetaminophen?

acetylcysteine

A client, scheduled to receive one unit of packed red blood cells, has a history of an allergic reaction to a transfusion in the past. What class of medication will assist in preventing a reaction to the packed red blood cell transfusion?

antihistamines

A client is experiencing allergy symptoms after being exposed to environmental dust. This reaction involves the action of histamine, which is released by what cells?

basophils

A client, having an allergic reaction to mold, describes chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Which body effect is occurring?

contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchi

Which condition would contraindicate the use of or oxymetazoline?

hypertension

To help liquefy cold-related secretions, the nurse should encourage the client to implement which measure?

increasing fluid intake

Which nursing diagnosis would provide the clearest indication for the administration of inhaled acetylcysteine?

ineffective airway clearance

After teaching a client who is receiving an antitussive about the drug, which statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

"I'll keep the room warm and toasty." Rationale: Measures to assist with cough control when using antitussives include cool temperatures, humidification, lozenges, and increased fluids.

A client reports a hacking cough. The client asks if taking an antihistamine would be helpful. The nurse's best response is:

Antihistamines are not recommended because they can dry lower respiratory secretions and worsen secretion retention and cough.

A client is prescribed oxymetazoline, a decongestant, for the treatment of hay fever. What should the nurse evaluate to assess the efficacy of therapy?

Maintenance of effective airway clearance Rationale: Evaluation of the maintenance of effective airway clearance helps in assessing the efficacy of oxymetazoline, which is a decongestant drug. The hydration of the skin, the heart rate and the urine output are usually not changed in decongestant therapy.