Chapter 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants
Chapter 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. When giving dextromethorphan, the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex
by which mechanism of action? a. Causing depression of the central nervous system b. Anesthetizing the stretch receptors c. Having direct action on the cough center d. Decreasing the viscosity of the bronchial secretions ANS: C
Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex through a direct action on the cough center. The other options are incorrect. DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension) TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 2. During a routine checkup, a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine
because of one of its most common adverse effects. The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient? a. Constipation b. Abdominal cramps c. Drowsiness d. Decreased libido ANS: C
Drowsiness is usually the chief complaint of people who take antihistamines. DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension) TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 3. A gardener needs a decongestant because of seasonal allergy problems and asks the nurse
whether he should take an oral form or a nasal spray. Which of these is a benefit of orally administered decongestants? a. Immediate onset b. A more potent effect c. Lack of rebound congestion d. Shorter duration ANS: C
Drugs administered by the oral route produce prolonged decongestant effects, but the onset of action is more delayed and the effect less potent than those of decongestants applied topically. However, the clinical problem of rebound congestion associated with topically administered drugs is almost nonexistent with oral dosage forms.
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