A client with a cold is taking an antitussive medication. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

A. Headache: Although headache can occur as a mild side effect of azithromycin, it is not typically serious or life-threatening. It does not require immediate reporting unless it is severe or associated with other concerning symptoms.

B. Urinary frequency: Urinary symptoms like frequency are not common adverse effects of azithromycin. If present, they are more likely related to the underlying infection rather than the medication itself.

C. Flatulence and nausea: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and flatulence are common and expected with azithromycin. They are usually mild and do not require the client to contact the healthcare provider unless they become severe or persistent.

D. Yellow sclera: Yellowing of the sclera is a sign of jaundice, which could indicate liver dysfunction. Azithromycin can rarely cause hepatotoxicity, making this symptom important to report immediately to the healthcare provider for evaluation.

Large, liquid stool: Lactulose is prescribed to treat constipation by drawing water into the bowel and promoting a bowel movement. A large, liquid stool indicates that the medication has effectively relieved the client's postoperative constipation.

Abdomen soft and flat: Before receiving lactulose, the client had a distended abdomen. A soft, flat abdomen afterward shows that bowel motility improved and gas or stool buildup has decreased, reflecting therapeutic action.

Blood pressure 120/68 mm Hg: Lactulose does not significantly affect blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is a positive finding but is unrelated to the expected outcomes or side effects of lactulose therapy.

Drowsiness: Drowsiness is not an intended or expected effect of lactulose. It may result from opioid use (morphine) rather than the lactulose itself, but since it impacts the client's alertness, it is considered a nontherapeutic side effect here.

Heart rate 62 beats/minute: Lactulose has no direct pharmacologic impact on heart rate. A heart rate of 62 beats per minute is within acceptable limits for many adults and is unrelated to the administration of lactulose.

Pain rating of 2 on a 0 to 10 scale: Pain control relates to the administration of morphine and other analgesics, not to lactulose. Therefore, a lower pain score reflects effective analgesia but is not linked to lactulose therapy.

Cramping: Cramping can occur with lactulose because it increases bowel motility and draws fluid into the intestines. Although mild cramping is expected, it is still classified as a nontherapeutic side effect because it can cause client discomfort.