Antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics are common upper respiratory drugs.
Correct Answer
True
These drug classes are used to treat conditions such as allergies, colds, and cough affecting the upper respiratory system.
Question 2
Expectorants suppress the cough reflex to provide relief from dry, nonproductive coughs.
Correct Answer
False
Expectorants help clear mucus by lubricating airways and decreasing mucus viscosity. Antitussives are the drugs that suppress the cough reflex.
Question 3
Guaifenesin is a common over-the-counter expectorant that helps liquefy mucus.
Correct Answer
True
Guaifenesin increases production of respiratory tract fluids to make mucus thinner and easier to expel through coughing.
Question 4
Expectorants should be used for dry, nonproductive coughs.
Correct Answer
False
Expectorants should only be used with productive coughs when it is necessary to loosen and clear mucus. Antitussives are appropriate for dry coughs.
Question 5
Mucolytics directly break down the structure of mucus by breaking its protein bonds.
Correct Answer
True
This reduces the thickness and stickiness of mucus, helping high-risk respiratory clients cough up thick, tenacious secretions.
Question 6
Acetylcysteine is used to help clear thick mucus and is also the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.
Correct Answer
True
When inhaled, acetylcysteine thins mucus. When given orally or IV, it replenishes glutathione stores to protect the liver from acetaminophen's toxic metabolite.
Question 7
Clients with asthma receiving acetylcysteine do not need additional monitoring.
Correct Answer
False
Asthma clients are at higher risk for bronchospasm when receiving acetylcysteine and should be monitored closely during administration.
Question 8
Dornase alfa is a mucolytic most commonly used to reduce lung infections in cystic fibrosis.
Correct Answer
True
Dornase alfa acts like an enzyme naturally found in the lungs, thinning the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
Question 9
Adverse effects of guaifenesin include dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Correct Answer
True
Guaifenesin does not cause many adverse effects, but these symptoms may occur and should be reported if severe.
Question 10
Adverse effects of mucolytics include fever, tachycardia, and pharyngitis.
Correct Answer
True
Vital signs should be monitored for tachycardia or fever in clients taking mucolytics.
Question 11
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors to reduce allergic symptoms.
Correct Answer
True
By blocking H1 receptors, antihistamines reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes associated with allergic reactions.
Question 12
First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine do not cause drowsiness.
Correct Answer
False
First-generation antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier and commonly cause significant drowsiness and sedation.
Question 13
Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine cause less sedation than first-generation agents.
Correct Answer
True
Second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier as readily, resulting in fewer central nervous system effects.
Question 14
Decongestants work by vasoconstriction of the nasal blood vessels to reduce swelling.
Correct Answer
True
By constricting swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, decongestants reduce congestion and improve airflow.
Question 15
Nasal decongestant sprays can be used indefinitely without adverse effects.
Correct Answer
False
Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays (beyond 3-5 days) can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa), making congestion worse.
Question 16
Dextromethorphan is a commonly used antitussive for suppressing nonproductive coughs.
Correct Answer
True
Dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex and is available in many over-the-counter cough preparations.
Question 17
The nurse should assess the client's cough including frequency, amount, and type of sputum.
Correct Answer
True
Identifying the underlying reason for the cough ensures the client receives appropriate treatment, whether an expectorant, mucolytic, or antitussive.
Question 18
Codeine can be used as an antitussive in addition to its analgesic properties.
Correct Answer
True
Codeine suppresses the cough reflex centrally. However, its use has decreased due to concerns about variable metabolism and respiratory depression risk.
Question 19
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that has no potential for misuse.
Correct Answer
False
Pseudoephedrine can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, which is why it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and purchases are tracked.
Question 20
The respiratory system is primarily responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide.
Correct Answer
True
Adequate respiratory function depends on the nervous, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems working properly as well.
Question 21
Combination cold and flu preparations never contain expectorants.
Correct Answer
False
Expectorants like guaifenesin are commonly included in combination cold and flu preparations alongside decongestants and analgesics.
Question 22
The nurse should educate clients to identify the underlying reason for their cough before selecting an OTC cough medication.
Correct Answer
True
Using the wrong type of cough medication (such as a suppressant for a productive cough) can be counterproductive and delay appropriate treatment.
Question 23
Mucolytics and expectorants have the same mechanism of action.
Correct Answer
False
Expectorants lubricate airways and increase fluid production to thin mucus. Mucolytics directly break down mucus protein bonds to reduce thickness.
Question 24
Acetylcysteine is contraindicated in clients with peptic ulcer disease.
Correct Answer
True
Acetylcysteine can increase gastric acid secretion and irritate the GI tract, making it inappropriate for clients with peptic ulcer disease.
Question 25
The upper respiratory system includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
Correct Answer
True
These structures warm, humidify, and filter air before it enters the lower respiratory system (trachea, bronchi, and lungs).