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A patient with thick mucus asks for a cough suppressant. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer medication as ordered
B. Assess lung sounds and sputum
C. Encourage bed rest
D. Offer fluids only
Answer: B
Rationale: Suppressing a productive cough can retain secretions and worsen respiratory status.
Rebound congestion occurs from:
A. Antihistamine overdose
B. Long-term nasal spray use
C. Mucolytics
D. ICS use
Answer: B
Rationale: Prolonged decongestant spray use causes rebound swelling.
A priority concern with diphenhydramine in elderly patients is:
A. Constipation
B. Confusion
C. Hypertension
D. Bleeding
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticholinergic effects can cause delirium.
Which patient should question a decongestant prescription?
A. Allergic rhinitis
B. Sinus congestion
C. Hypertension
D. Seasonal allergies
Answer: C
Rationale: Decongestants increase BP through vasoconstriction.
Which effect indicates antihistamines are working?
A. Increased mucus
B. Reduced sneezing
C. Bronchospasm
D. Increased cough
Answer: B
Rationale: Histamine blockade reduces allergic symptoms.
Which symptom indicates anticholinergic side effects?
A. Increased salivation
B. Dry mouth
C. Diarrhea
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticholinergics reduce secretions.
First-generation antihistamines increase risk for:
A. Falls
B. Hypertension
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Bleeding
Answer: A
Rationale: Sedation increases fall risk, especially in older adults.
Which assessment is priority before giving an antitussive?
A. Lung sounds
B. Weight
C. Temperature
D. Pain score
Answer: A
Rationale: Determine productive vs nonproductive cough first.
A productive cough helps by:
A. Reducing inflammation
B. Clearing secretions
C. Preventing infection
D. Reducing mucus production
Answer: B
Rationale: Coughing removes mucus and debris.
A nurse should monitor which after giving codeine cough syrup?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Oxygen saturation only
D. Temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Opioid antitussives can suppress respiration.
Second-generation antihistamines are preferred because they:
A. Act faster
B. Are cheaper
C. Cause less sedation
D. Reduce BP
Answer: C
Rationale: They cross the blood-brain barrier less.
Which vital sign is most important after giving a decongestant?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Blood pressure
D. Temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Vasoconstriction may elevate BP.
Which teaching is appropriate for mucolytics?
A. Limit fluids
B. Take at bedtime only
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Avoid coughing
Answer: C
Rationale: Fluids help thin mucus and improve effectiveness.
Decongestants primarily work by:
A. Bronchodilation
B. Vasodilation
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Anti-inflammatory effects
Answer: C
Rationale: They shrink nasal vessels to reduce swelling.
Histamine release causes:
A. Bronchodilation
B. Vasoconstriction
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Reduced mucus
Answer: C
Rationale: Histamine increases permeability and swelling.