Author Question: A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the nurse to explain ... (Read 111 times)

crazycityslicker · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the nurse to explain the purpose of the drug. The nurse will explain that guaifenesin:

a. dries secretions to help suppress coughing so patients can rest.
b. helps stimulate the flow of secretions to increase cough productivity.
c. helps to relieve chest pain associated with a cough.
d. stimulates the body's natural immune responses.

Question 2

A patient asks the nurse what type of medications would be most effective for treating seasonal and perennial rhinitis. Which response by the nurse is correct?

a. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
b. Fluticasone propionate (Fluticasone)
c. Loratadine (Claritin)
d. Intranasal cromolyn sodium (Atrovent)

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Expectorants stimulate the flow of respiratory tract secretions to improve cough productivity. Guaifenesin does not dry secretions, because it does not have anticholinergic effects. Guaifenesin does not alleviate pain associated with cough. Guaifenesin does not stimulate immune responses.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Intranasal glucocorticoids, such as fluticasone propionate, are the most effective drugs for prevention and treatment, because they prevent or suppress all the major symptoms of allergic rhinitis (congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, and erythema). Pseudoephedrine is an oral sympathomimetic used to reduce nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis. It has no effect on other symptoms. Loratadine, an oral antihistamine, reduces sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching only and is less effective than intranasal glucocorticoids. Intranasal cromolyn sodium is moderately effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, but the benefits are much less than those of intranasal glucocorticoids.