Respiratory Medications: Expectorants, Mucolytics, Decongestants

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Questions and Answers

Decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine alleviate congestion through which primary mechanism?

Causing vasoconstriction of the respiratory tract mucosa. (correct)
Increasing mucus production to clear the respiratory tract.
Causing vasodilation in the respiratory tract mucosa.
Blocking histamine receptors in the respiratory tract.

Which of the following is a common side effect associated with decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine?

Increased salivation
Bradycardia
Improved sleep quality
Insomnia (correct)

What is the primary reason for the restrictions placed on the purchase of pseudoephedrine?

It interferes with the effectiveness of certain antibiotics.
It can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
It has been shown to cause liver damage with prolonged use
It is a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamines. (correct)

Why have decongestants containing phenylephrine increased in popularity compared to those containing pseudoephedrine?

Phenylephrine is not subject to the same purchase restrictions as pseudoephedrine are. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) belongs to which generation of antihistamines?

First-generation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are examples of:

Second-generation antihistamines (C) Signup and view all the answers

H1-receptor antagonist antihistamines are primarily used to treat symptoms related to:

Allergies (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do H1-receptor antagonist antihistamines work to alleviate allergy symptoms?

By competitively binding to H1 histamine receptors, preventing histamine from binding. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect associated with first-generation antihistamines, but less so with second-generation antihistamines?

Sedation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important nursing consideration when administering antihistamines, especially in patients with allergies?

Assessing respiratory status to ensure the airway remains patent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a persistent cough is prescribed guaifenesin. What physiological process is primarily responsible for this medication's therapeutic effect?

Increasing the water content of mucus, thereby reducing its viscosity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with cystic fibrosis is prescribed acetylcysteine. In addition to its mucolytic properties, for which of the following conditions is acetylcysteine also indicated?

Acetaminophen overdose (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed acetylcysteine for thick mucus secretions. Which of the following potential side effects requires close monitoring in this patient population?

Bronchospasm (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed guaifenesin for a productive cough. What specific instruction should the nurse provide to the patient regarding medication administration to maximize its effectiveness?

Take the medication with a full glass of water. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports experiencing nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis. Which of the following medications would be most appropriate to alleviate this patient's symptoms?

Pseudoephedrine (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient prescribed acetylcysteine is concerned about the medication's unpleasant odor. What is the most appropriate response by the healthcare provider?

"The rotten egg smell is a normal characteristic of this medication and does not indicate it has gone bad." (D) Signup and view all the answers

Both guaifenesin and acetylcysteine are used to manage respiratory conditions characterized by thick mucus secretions. However, their mechanisms of action differ. Which of the following statements accurately describes this difference?

Guaifenesin promotes mucus hydration, while acetylcysteine breaks down the molecules in mucus. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion reports feeling jittery and having difficulty sleeping. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Advising the patient to discontinue the medication and consult with the prescribing provider. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a persistent cough is prescribed guaifenesin. What is the scientific rationale behind advising the patient to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication?

Guaifenesin works by pulling water into mucus secretions; therefore, adequate hydration enhances its effectiveness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with chronic bronchitis is prescribed acetylcysteine. What is the primary mechanism by which acetylcysteine improves the patient's respiratory function?

By breaking down the disulfide bonds in mucus, decreasing its viscosity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is acetylcysteine administered with caution to patients with asthma?

It can trigger bronchospasm, leading to airway constriction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed acetylcysteine for thick mucus secretions. Which information is most important to communicate to the patient?

The medication has a distinct odor, which is a normal finding. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with nasal congestion is considering using either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. What information is most important to consider when choosing between these medications?

The potential for rebound congestion with prolonged use. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a known history of hypertension is seeking an over-the-counter decongestant. Which of the following medications would be the least appropriate for this patient?

Pseudoephedrine (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with rhinitis is prescribed a decongestant. Which mechanism of action describes how decongestants alleviate nasal congestion?

Constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to decrease swelling. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking guaifenesin reports experiencing dizziness. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Assess the patient's blood pressure and hydration status. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are individuals purchasing excessive amounts of pseudoephedrine likely to raise concerns among pharmacists and law enforcement?

Pseudoephedrine is a precursor in the illicit production of methamphetamine. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking an antihistamine reports experiencing significant drowsiness. Which of the following instructions is most important for the nurse to provide?

Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while taking this medication. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with allergic rhinitis is prescribed an H1-receptor antagonist antihistamine. What is the expected primary outcome of this medication?

Relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When explaining the difference between first-generation and second-generation antihistamines to a patient, which statement is most accurate?

Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports using an over-the-counter decongestant for nasal congestion but is concerned about potential rebound congestion. Which of the following is the best recommendation?

Use the decongestant for no more than the recommended duration and consider a saline nasal spray for ongoing congestion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind the placement of pseudoephedrine behind the pharmacy counter rather than on open shelves?

To limit public access to a precursor chemical used in illegal drug production. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking a first-generation antihistamine complains of a dry mouth and constipation. These side effects are most likely due to which pharmacological action of the drug?

Anticholinergic effects (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a known allergy is prescribed an antihistamine. What is the most important assessment the nurse should prioritize after administering the medication?

Evaluating the patient's respiratory status. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of H1-receptor antagonist antihistamines in alleviating allergy symptoms?

Blocking histamine from binding to H1 receptors, thus preventing its effects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are decongestants like phenylephrine used to treat nasal congestion?

They cause vasoconstriction in the respiratory tract mucosa, reducing swelling. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Guaifenesin

A medication used to treat cough from respiratory infections, available over-the-counter.

Expectorant

A type of medication, like guaifenesin, that increases hydration of mucus to make it easier to cough up.

Mucolytics

Medications that break down thick mucus, like acetylcysteine, to make it less viscous.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic used for thick mucus in conditions like cystic fibrosis; also an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.