Drugs Affecting the Upper Respiratory System
1. A patient presents at the clinic with a dry nonproductive cough. The patient is
diagnosed with bronchitis and it has been determined that assistance is needed in
thinning the sputum so the cough can become productive. What does the nurse
expect the physician will prescribe?
A) Benzonatate (Tessalon)
B) Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
C) Dextromethorphan (Benylin)
D) Hydrocodone (Hycodan)
2. A patient has been using guaifenesin for a cough that accompanied a common
cold. The patient calls the nurse help line and states that she thinks she is having
an adverse reaction to the medication. The nurse knows that which symptoms are
adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)
A) Nausea
B) Rash
C) constipation
D) Bleeding
E) Headache
3. What would be the nurse’s best response if a patient calls the clinic and
reports that he has had a persistent cough for 2 weeks and asks the nurse
for a recommendation for a cough medicine?
A) Look for dextromethorphan as an ingredient in any OTC cough preparation.
B) The doctor could order an antihistamine, which might dry up your secretions and
stop the cough.
C) You should come to the clinic to be evaluated. A cough that lasts that long
might be an indication of an underlying medical problem.
D) Drink a lot of fluids and take aspirin, which should reduce the irritation in your
throat.
4. What statement by a 61-year-old patient who is to take an antitussive with
codeine indicates that the nurse’s teaching has been effective?
A) I will take this medication anytime I start to cough.
