Chapter 30: Drugs Used to Treat Lower Respiratory Disease

Chapter 30: Drugs Used to Treat Lower Respiratory Disease

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient has questions regarding a recently prescribed antitussive agent. Which response by the nurse is the best?

a.	“It will eliminate your cough at night.”
b.	“It will reduce the frequency of your cough.”
c.	“It should be used in the morning.”
d.	“It should be taken before sleep.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Antitussive agents act by suppressing the cough center in the brain. The expected therapeutic outcome is reduced frequency of nonproductive cough to promote rest. Antitussive agents should be taken as prescribed by the health care provider. Antitussives are not likely to eliminate a cough. Antitussives should be taken throughout the day.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page 464        OBJ:   3

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education

 

2. Which is a common expectorant in over-the-counter medications?

a.	Dextromethorphan
b.	Diphenhydramine
c.	Guaifenesin
d.	Codeine

 

 

ANS:  C

Guaifenesin is used for symptomatic relief of conditions characterized by a dry, nonproductive cough such as the common cold, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis. Guaifenesin is also used to remove mucous plugs from the respiratory tract. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive. Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic agent with antihistaminic and antitussive properties. Codeine is an antitussive.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 469        OBJ:   3

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment

 

3. What is the reason for administering sodium chloride to a patient with emphysema?

a.	To increase blood sodium levels
b.	To decrease mucus viscosity
c.	To reduce metabolic needs of the body
d.	To decrease bronchial irritation

 

 

ANS:  B

Sodium chloride acts by hydrating mucus. This will decrease the viscosity of mucous plugs, which makes it easier for patients to cough up the dry hardened plugs blocking the bronchial tubes. Sodium chloride is not given to increase serum sodium iodide levels. Sodium does not reduce metabolic needs of the body or bronchial irritation.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 469        OBJ:   3

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Gas Exchange

 

4. Within minutes of the initiation of a nebulizer treatment with a sympathomimetic bronchodilator, the patient turns on his call light and states that he feels “panicky” and his heart is racing. Which action will the nurse take?

a.	Reassure the patient this is expected.
b.	Add more diluents to the nebulizer.
c.	Administer a sedative.
d.	Stop treatment and notify the health care provider.

 

 

ANS:  D

Sympathomimetic drugs increase sympathetic nervous stimulation. Symptoms such as nervousness, palpitations, tremors, tachycardia, and anxiety typically are dose related. These symptoms should be reported to the health care provider immediately because the patient may require a decreased dosage. These symptoms could lead to further complications if allowed to persist and are not common adverse effects. Although this may be a common result, it is not an expected outcome. Diluting the medication would not decrease the dose. Although a sedative might be appropriate for the patient, this is not the intervention of choice.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Page 473 | Page 474

OBJ:   5                    TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe, Effective Care Environment

NOT:   CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Gas Exchange; Safety