A patient asks the nurse about using dextromethorphan for cough. ...

[Pineappleeh]

A patient asks the nurse about using dextromethorphan for cough. What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient about this drug?
 
  a. It does not cause sedation except at high doses.
  b. It may be used to treat cough for up to 2 weeks.
  c. It is non-narcotic, and it is OK to consume alcohol while taking this drug.
  d. It should not be taken by patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Question 2

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has a persistent nonproductive cough asks about a medication that will not cause sedation. The nurse will encourage the patient to discuss which medication with the provider?
 
  a. Benzonatate HCl (Tessalon Perles)
  b. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (Benylin DM)
  c. Guaifenesin and codeine
  d. Promethazine with dextromethorphan

[Qarqy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Dextromethorphan is contraindicated in patients with COPD. It may cause sedation at low doses. If a cough lasts longer than 1 week, patients should be instructed to contact their provider and not to continue to treat with over-the-counter antitussives. Alcohol can cause excess sedation when taken with dextromethorphan.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Benzonatate will not cause sedation and is safe for patients with COPD. Dextromethorphan is contraindicated in patients with COPD. Codeine and promethazine cause sedation.

[Pineappleeh]

Wow, this really help

[bigsis44]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it