A patient has acute bronchitis with a nonproductive cough and ...

[yoooooman]

A patient has acute bronchitis with a nonproductive cough and wheezes. Which topic should the nurse plan to include in the teaching plan?
 
  a. Purpose of antibiotic therapy
  b. Ways to limit oral fluid intake
  c. Appropriate use of cough suppressants
  d. Safety concerns with home oxygen therapy

Question 2

A patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia complains of a sharp pain of 7 (based on 0 to 10 scale) whenever I take a deep breath. Which action will the nurse take next?
 
  a. Auscultate breath sounds.
  b. Administer the PRN morphine.
  c. Have the patient cough forcefully.
  d. Notify the patient's health care provider.

[14vl19]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Cough suppressants are frequently prescribed for acute bronchitis. Because most acute bronchitis is viral in origin, antibiotics are not prescribed unless there are systemic symptoms. Fluid intake is encouraged. Home oxygen is not prescribed for acute bronchitis, although it may be used for chronic bronchitis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient's statement indicates that pleurisy or a pleural effusion may have developed and the nurse will need to listen for a pleural friction rub and/or decreased breath sounds. Assessment should occur before administration of pain medications. The patient is unlikely to be able to cough forcefully until pain medication has been administered. The nurse will want to obtain more assessment data before calling the health care provider.