Author Question: What would be the nurse's best response if a patient calls the clinic and reports that he has had a ... (Read 102 times)

mwit1967 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What would be the nurse's best response if a patient calls the clinic and reports that he has had a persistent cough for 2 weeks and asks the nurse for a recommendation for a cough medicine?

A) Look for dextromethorphan as an ingredient in any OTC cough preparation.
B) The doctor could order an antihistamine, which might dry up your secretions and stop the cough.
C) You should come to the clinic to be evaluated. A cough that lasts that long might be an indication of an underlying medical problem.
D) Drink a lot of fluids and take aspirin, which should reduce the irritation in your throat.

Question 2

When carbidopa is given with levodopa (L-dopa), the dosage of L-dopa must be reduced. What would the reduction of L-dopa cause?

A) Heightened levels of sedation
B) Prolonged effect of medications
C) Decreased adverse effects
D) Decreased effectiveness of symptom control

Liamb2179 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
A cough that has persisted for 2 weeks could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that should be addressed before treating the cough. The patient should be asked to come in for an evaluation. Dextromethorphan could help stop the cough, but suppressing the cough might not be in the patient's best interest. Drying the mucosa with an antihistamine could aggravate the cough. Aspirin would not be indicated for relieving throat irritation.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Because carbidopa decreases the amount of L-dopa needed to reach a therapeutic level in the brain, the dosage of L-dopa can be decreased, which reduces the incidence of adverse effects. Other options are incorrect.