C HAPTER 36: A NTIHISTAMINES ,
D ECONGESTANTS , A NTITUSSIVES , AND
E XPECTORANTS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the N ursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse will instruct patients about a possibl e systemic effect that may
occur if excessive amounts of topicall y applied adrenergic nasal
decongestants are used. Which systemic effect may occur?
a. Heartburn
b. Bradycardia
c. Drowsiness
d. Palpitations
ANS: D
Although a topicall y applied adrenergic nasal deconge stant can be
absorbed into the bloodstream, the amount absorbed is usuall y too
small to cause systemic effects at normal dosages. Excessive dosages
of these medications, however, are more likel y to cause systemic
effects elsewhere in the body. These may in clude cardiovascular
effects, such as hypertension and palpitations, and central nervous
s ystem effects, such as headache, nervousness, and dizziness. The other
options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process : Assessment
, MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. A patient with a tracheostom y has difficult y removing excessive, thick
mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will
be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?
a. Guaifenesin
b. Benzonatate
c. Diphenhydramine
d. Dextromethorphan
ANS: A
Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and
the bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to
cough. The other drugs list ed do not have this effect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal spray
to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
a. “You won’t see effects for at least 1 week. ”
b. “Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days. ”
c. “Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved. ”
d. “Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops. ”
ANS: B
D ECONGESTANTS , A NTITUSSIVES , AND
E XPECTORANTS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the N ursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse will instruct patients about a possibl e systemic effect that may
occur if excessive amounts of topicall y applied adrenergic nasal
decongestants are used. Which systemic effect may occur?
a. Heartburn
b. Bradycardia
c. Drowsiness
d. Palpitations
ANS: D
Although a topicall y applied adrenergic nasal deconge stant can be
absorbed into the bloodstream, the amount absorbed is usuall y too
small to cause systemic effects at normal dosages. Excessive dosages
of these medications, however, are more likel y to cause systemic
effects elsewhere in the body. These may in clude cardiovascular
effects, such as hypertension and palpitations, and central nervous
s ystem effects, such as headache, nervousness, and dizziness. The other
options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process : Assessment
, MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. A patient with a tracheostom y has difficult y removing excessive, thick
mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will
be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?
a. Guaifenesin
b. Benzonatate
c. Diphenhydramine
d. Dextromethorphan
ANS: A
Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and
the bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to
cough. The other drugs list ed do not have this effect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal spray
to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
a. “You won’t see effects for at least 1 week. ”
b. “Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days. ”
c. “Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved. ”
d. “Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops. ”
ANS: B
