Chapter 31: Drugs Used to Treat Lower Respiratory Disease

Chapter 31: 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?

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:   p. 489             OBJ:   5 | 6

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

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

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:   pp. 494-495    OBJ:   N/A

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

3. What is the reason for administering potassium iodide to a patient with emphysema?

ANS:  B

Potassium iodide acts as an expectorant by stimulating the bronchial glands to secrete. 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. Potassium iodide is not given to increase serum potassium iodide levels. Potassium does not reduce metabolic needs of the body or bronchial irritation.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   pp. 494-495    OBJ:   5 | 6

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

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?

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:   pp. 497-498    OBJ:   5 | 7 | 9

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Planning

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