In caring for a patient with nasal congestion, the nurse knows that adrenergic drugs are used as
nasal decongestants to relieve symptoms by
A. constricting arterioles and reducing blood flow to nasal mucosa
B. stimulating air movement in the lungs
C. stabilizing mast cells
D. initiating the cough reflex correct answers A. constricting arterioles and reducing blood flow
to nasal mucosa
As the nurse caring for a patient with nasal congestion who is using the OTC decongestant
oxymetazoline, the nurse counsels the patient that this medication should only be used for the
time recommended on the package and no longer because excessive use may produce
A. copious lower respiratory tract secretions
B. ringing in the ears
C. rebound nasal congestion
D. a suppressed cough reflex correct answers C. rebound nasal congestion
A common mucolytic used to liquefy mucus in the respiratory tract that
A. acetylcyseine
B. ipratropium
C. dextromethorphan
D. pseudoephedrine correct answers A. acetylcyseine
Cold remedies listed as "nondrowsy" or labeled as "daytime" formula do not contain
,A. a nasal decongestant
B. a first-generation antihistamine
C. a pain reliever
D. any of the above correct answers B. a first-generation antihistamine
Which of the following herbal prepatations appears to play a role in the defense mechanisms of
the respiratory system in adults?
A. echinacea
B. vitamin C
C. zinc gluconate
D. valerian correct answers B. vitamin C
What statement best describes how the common cold is effected by and managed using
medication therapy?
A. Herbal remedies containing zinc have demonstrated some ability to reduce the symptoms
generally associated with a cold.
B. The tendencies to overmedicate and use antibiotics inappropriately with the common cold are
widespread and pose significant risk for complications and drug resistance.
C. Colds may be difficult to manage because they often result from drug-resistant
microorganisms and occur in people whose immunity is impaired.
D. Because of the way cold viruses are spread, antibiotics are the most important protective and
curative measure. correct answers B. The tendencies to overmedicate and use antibiotics
inappropriately with the common cold are widespread and pose significant risk for complications
and drug resistance.
What is a major cause of sinus infection?
,A. anti-infective secretions
B. inflammatory processes
C. autoimmune processes
D. impaired blood supply correct answers
A client asks, "What is the difference between antitussive medications and expectorants?" What
information should the nurse's response be based upon?
A. Antitussives liquefy bronchial secretions while expectorants assist in the expectoration of
those secretions.
B. Antitussives kill cold viruses while expectorants liquefy bronchial secretions.
C. Both drug types loosen bronchial secretions for ease of removal.
D. Antitussives suppress coughing while expectorants loosen bronchial secretions. correct
answers D. Antitussives suppress coughing while expectorants loosen bronchial secretions.
The client states that he/she once needed medication to liquefy secretions in the respiratory tract.
However, the client cannot recall the name of the medication, but states that the medication is
added to a nebulizer. The nurse suspects the client is taking which medication?
A. acetylcysteine
B. pseudoephredrine
C. guaifenesin
D. prednisone correct answers
A client, recovering from a cold and is now experiencing a hacking cough, asks if taking an
antihistamine would be helpful. What response demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the
effective use of antihistamines? Select all that apply.
A. "Antihistamines are recommended for your type of cough, but you must monitor for adverse
effects."
, B. "Antihistamines are effective but only if you also increase your fluid intake."
C. "Antihistamines are not recommended because they tend to worsen your cough."
D. "Antihistamines are not recommended in your situation but an antibiotic may be useful."
E. "Antihistamines are used for allergy-related cough." correct answers C. "Antihistamines are
not recommended because they tend to worsen your cough."
E. "Antihistamines are used for allergy-related cough."
A client reports having difficulty finding the OTC decongestant that he/she used in the past.
What assessment question should the nurse ask to help address the client's concern?
A. "Have you asked the pharmacist about a substitute medication?"
B. "Did the medication contain pseudoephedrine?"
C. "How long hasit been since you last needed to take a decongestant?"
D. "Would you like your health care provider to prescribe something for congestion?" correct
answers B. "Did the medication contain pseudoephedrine?"
A client asks the nurse to explain the difference between "AM" and "PM" combination cold
remedies. What would be the nurse's best response?
A. Designations of "AM" and "PM" indicate the medication's manufacturer.
B. "PM" formulas contain a decongestant but do not contain an antihistamine; "AM" formulas
contain an antihistamine.
C. "AM" formulas contain a nasal decongestant but do not contain an antihistamine; "PM"
formulas contain an antihistamine.
D. "AM" formulas contain a mucolytic, and "PM" formulas contain a steroidal preparation.
correct answers C. "AM" formulas contain a nasal decongestant but do not contain an
antihistamine; "PM" formulas contain an antihistamine.