Antitussives
What is the primary function of antitussives?
Block the cough relfex
This common decongestant shrinks swollen nasal mucosa by causing vasoconstriction.
What is pseudoephedrine?
This first-generation antihistamine commonly causes drowsiness and is often used for allergies and itching.
What is diphenhydramine?
This expectorant helps loosen and thin respiratory secretions so they are easier to cough up.
What is guaifenesin?
This mucolytic medication helps break up and thin thick respiratory secretions so they are easier to clear.
What is acetylcysteine?
Name three antitussives.
What is
Codeine, hydrocodone, and dextromethorphan
or
benzonatate
This nasal spray decongestant can cause rebound congestion when used for more than a few days.
What is oxymetazoline?
Because first-generation antihistamines have anticholinergic effects, clients may experience dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and this urinary complication.
What is urinary retention?
A client taking guaifenesin should be encouraged to increase intake of this substance to help thin mucus.
What are fluids?
This mucolytic is commonly recognized by its strong odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs.
What is acetylcysteine?
This is a common adverse effect of taking antitussives.
What is CNS effects.
(dizziness and respiratory depression)
Because decongestants stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, a nurse should use caution when giving them to a client with this cardiovascular condition.
What is hypertension?
This second-generation antihistamine is less sedating than diphenhydramine and is commonly used for seasonal allergies.
What is loratadine?
This medication is most appropriate for a client with a productive cough and thick secretions, rather than a dry, nonproductive cough
What is guaifenesin?
When acetylcysteine is given by inhalation, the nurse should monitor for this respiratory adverse effect.
What is bronchospasm?
This antitussive works by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, but chewing the capsule can cause dangerous numbness of the mouth and throat.
What is benzonatate?
This oral decongestant is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that may cause insomnia, nervousness, palpitations, and urinary retention.
What is pseudoephedrine?
A client taking diphenhydramine should avoid combining it with alcohol because both can produce this dangerous additive effect.
What is CNS depression?
A client taking guaifenesin should notify the provider if the cough lasts longer than about this amount of time or is accompanied by fever or worsening symptoms.
What is 1 week?
This common pain reliever’s overdose is treated with the mucolytic acetylcysteine.
What is acetaminophen?
This potentially life-threatening syndrome can occur when dextromethorphan is combined with an SSRI.
What is Serotonin Syndrome.
A client has been using oxymetazoline nasal spray several times daily for one week and now reports worse congestion when the medication wears off. This complication is known by this term.
What is rhinitis medicamentosa?
An older adult with benign prostatic hyperplasia and glaucoma is prescribed a first-generation antihistamine. The nurse should question the order because this medication class can worsen both conditions due to this pharmacologic effect.
What is an anticholinergic effect?
The therapeutic effect of an expectorant differs from an antitussive because an expectorant promotes this physiologic action rather than suppressing it.
What is productive coughing/clearance of respiratory secretions?
A client receiving inhaled acetylcysteine has very thick secretions. Because the medication liquefies mucus, the nurse should be especially prepared to support this airway-clearing action.
What is coughing and suctioning secretions?