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: Peak level is the correct term to describe the highest concentration of a drug in the blood after it is administered. Peak level is also known as peak plasma concentration or Cmax, and it reflects the rate and extent of drug absorption. Peak level is influenced by factors such as the route of administration, the dose, the formulation, and the bioavailability of the drug. Peak level is important to monitor for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that there is a small difference between the effective and toxic doses. The nurse should measure the peak level at the appropriate time after the drug administration, and adjust the dose or the frequency as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and avoid adverse effects .
Choice B reason: Halflife is not the correct term to describe the highest concentration of a drug in the blood after it is administered. Halflife is the time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the blood to decrease by 50%. Halflife reflects the rate of drug elimination, which depends on factors such as the metabolism and excretion of the drug. Halflife is important to determine the dosing interval and the time to reach steady state. The nurse should consider the halflife of the drug when prescribing or administering the drug, and avoid drug accumulation or subtherapeutic levels .
Choice C reason: Trough level is not the correct term to describe the highest concentration of a drug in the blood after it is administered. Trough level is the lowest concentration of a drug in the blood before the next dose is given. Trough level reflects the balance between drug absorption and elimination, and it indicates the minimum effective concentration of the drug. Trough level is important to monitor for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that there is a small difference between the effective and toxic doses. The nurse should measure the trough level just before the next dose of the drug, and adjust the dose or the frequency as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and avoid adverse effects .
Choice D reason: Steady state is not the correct term to describe the highest concentration of a drug in the blood after it is administered. Steady state is the condition when the rate of drug administration is equal to the rate of drug elimination, and the concentration of the drug in the blood remains constant. Steady state is usually reached after four to five halflives of the drug, and it reflects the optimal therapeutic level of the drug. Steady state is important to maintain for drugs that have a long halflife or a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that there is a small difference between the effective and toxic doses. The nurse should ensure that the drug is administered at regular intervals and at the appropriate dose to achieve and maintain steady state.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Polydipsia is excessive thirst, which is a symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), not hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). People with hyperglycemia lose fluid through frequent urination and become dehydrated, which makes them thirsty.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Shaking is a common sign of hypoglycemia. It occurs because the body releases adrenaline and other hormones to raise blood sugar levels. Adrenaline causes the muscles to tremble or shake.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Confusion is another common sign of hypoglycemia. It occurs because the brain does not get enough glucose, which is its main source of energy. Low blood sugar can impair cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and judgment.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, which can be a symptom of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. However, it is not a specific or reliable indicator of low blood sugar, as it can also be caused by other factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, or medication.
Choice E reason: This is incorrect. Polyuria is excessive urination, which is another symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. People with hyperglycemia have high levels of glucose in their blood, which draws water from the cells and increases urine output.
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