A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is going to take an expectorant to manage a cough. The nurse should explain that this type of medication treats coughs by which of the following mechanisms?

A. "I should decrease my physical activity." Decreasing physical activity is not recommended as it can worsen constipation. Physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements, so this statement does not indicate proper understanding.
B. "I should increase fluid intake." Increasing fluid intake helps to soften the stool and promote bowel movements. Adequate hydration is essential in managing constipation, especially when taking opioids.
C. "I should only take a laxative when necessary." Taking a laxative only when necessary is a reasonable approach to managing constipation. Overuse of laxatives can lead to dependency and should be avoided. Using them judiciously can help manage symptoms effectively.
D. "I should increase fiber intake." Increasing dietary fiber can help to bulk up the stool and stimulate bowel movements, which is beneficial in preventing and treating constipation associated with opioid use.
E. "I should strain when I try to have a bowel movement." Straining during bowel movements is not recommended as it can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of proper bowel habits.

A. Stimulates secretions: Expectorants work by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear out. This mechanism helps to reduce cough by facilitating the removal of mucus.
B. Suppresses the urge to cough: Cough suppressants, or antitussives, work by suppressing the cough reflex, not by stimulating secretions. This choice describes a different type of medication used for dry, unproductive coughs.
C. Reduces inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medications reduce inflammation, but they do not specifically target mucus production or the cough reflex. Expectorants do not primarily work by reducing inflammation.
D. Dries mucous membranes: Drying mucous membranes would typically be the action of antihistamines or decongestants, which are not the primary mechanism of action for expectorants. Expectorants aim to keep mucus hydrated to facilitate its removal.