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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Vasoconstriction is the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. This increases the resistance to blood flow and raises the blood pressure. Phenylephrine is used as a vasopressor to treat hypotension, which is a condition of low blood pressure that can cause dizziness, fainting, or organ damage. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and the peripheral pulses of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the beta2 receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle, which are responsible for bronchodilation or widening of the airways. Phenylephrine is not used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that cause bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate and the breath sounds of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice C reason: Diuresis is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the kidney function or the urine output. Phenylephrine is not used to treat fluid retention or edema, which are conditions of excess fluid in the body that can cause swelling, weight gain, or heart failure. The nurse should measure the urine output and the specific gravity of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice D reason: Decreased heart rate is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has little or no effect on the beta1 receptors on the heart, which are responsible for increasing the heart rate and the contractility. Phenylephrine may actually cause a reflex bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that occurs when the baroreceptors in the blood vessels sense an increase in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to lower the heart rate. Phenylephrine is not used to treat tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate that can cause palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the electrocardiogram and the heart rate of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

A. Past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) B. Blood pressure of 132/82 C. Allergy to corn D. Past medical history of gout

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not a contraindication or a concern for administering Reglan, which is a medication that stimulates the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract and treats nausea, heartburn, and gastroparesis¹. Reglan does not affect the prostate or urinary function.

Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 132/82 is slightly above the normal range of 120/80, but it is not a cause for concern or a reason to withhold Reglan. Reglan can lower the blood pressure by reducing the fluid volume and preventing sodium retention¹. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly, but does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.

Choice C reason: Allergy to corn is a concern for administering Reglan, as some formulations of Reglan may contain corn starch as an inactive ingredient. Corn starch can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to corn, causing symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis. The nurse should check the label of the Reglan product and avoid using it if it contains corn starch. The nurse should also notify the health care provider and the pharmacy about the patient's allergy and request an alternative medication or formulation.

Choice D reason: Past medical history of gout is not a contraindication or a concern for administering Reglan, which is a medication that stimulates the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract and treats nausea, heartburn, and gastroparesis¹. Reglan does not affect the uric acid levels or the joints.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer phenylephrine as a vasopressor to treat a patient for hypotension. The desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context is:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to administer Reglan to a patient. She is most concerned by the following information in the patient's medical record?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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