A nurse is administering codeine cough syrup to a patient for a dry cough. This medication is a Schedule V medication. Which of the following measures should the nurse take?
Monitor the patient for addiction
Advise the patient that the medication helps to thin out their secretions
Advise the patient to minimize intake of beets
Advise the patient that constipation is an adverse effect of the medication
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Monitor the patient for addiction is not a necessary measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine is a Schedule V medication, which means that it has a low potential for abuse and dependence compared to other opioids. The nurse should follow the prescriber's order and the label instructions and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. The nurse should also assess the patient's pain level, respiratory status, and cough frequency and severity.
Choice B reason: Advise the patient that the medication helps to thin out their secretions is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine does not affect the viscosity or production of the mucus in the airways, but rather reduces the urge to cough. The nurse should advise the patient to drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, or use saline nasal spray to help loosen and clear the secretions.
Choice C reason: Advise the patient to minimize intake of beets is not a relevant measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Beets are a vegetable that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nitrates, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Beets do not interact with codeine or affect its metabolism or clearance. The nurse should encourage the patient to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, unless they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Choice D reason: Advise the patient that constipation is an adverse effect of the medication is the correct and appropriate measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine can also act on the opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce the peristalsis and cause constipation. The nurse should advise the patient to prevent or treat constipation by increasing their fluid and fiber intake, exercising regularly, and using laxatives or stool softeners as needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. The liver is the main organ responsible for drug metabolism. The enzymes that the body uses to metabolize drugs are present throughout the body but are most abundant in the liver. The liver can transform drugs into more polar and water-soluble compounds, which can then be excreted by the kidneys or the biliary system.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The lungs are not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although they can play a minor role in some cases. The lungs can metabolize some drugs that are inhaled, such as anesthetics, or drugs that circulate through the pulmonary blood vessels, such as propranolol. However, the lungs have a lower capacity and a lower variety of enzymes than the liver.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The heart is not responsible for drug metabolism, although it can be affected by it. The heart is the organ that pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. The heart can be influenced by the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which are the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and the effects of drugs on the body, respectively.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The kidney is not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although it is important for drug excretion. The kidney is the organ that filters the blood and removes waste products and excess fluid as urine. The kidney can excrete drugs that are water-soluble or that are not reabsorbed by the tubules. The kidney can also metabolize some drugs, such as aspirin, but to a lesser extent than the liver.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Reviewing the patient’s previous blood glucose levels may not be helpful in determining the correct dose of insulin, as the blood glucose level can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as food intake, activity, stress, and illness. The previous blood glucose levels may not reflect the current insulin needs of the patient¹.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. No review is not an option before administering insulin, as insulin is a highalert medication that can cause serious harm if given incorrectly. The nurse should always check the patient’s blood glucose level, the insulin order, the insulin type, the insulin dose, the insulin expiration date, and the insulin injection site before giving insulin.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Reviewing the Regular insulin sliding scale for administration in the patient’s electronic medical record is the best action to determine the correct dose of insulin. A sliding scale is a chart of insulin dosages based on blood glucose level and mealtime. It is used to adjust the insulin dose according to the patient’s blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity. The nurse should follow the sliding scale protocol and verify the insulin dose with another nurse before administering it.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Reviewing the patient’s previous insulin administration doses may not be helpful in determining the correct dose of insulin, as the insulin dose may vary depending on the patient’s blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity. The previous insulin doses may not reflect the current insulin needs of the patient¹.
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