After taking the medication guaifenesin (Mucinex), the client complains of coughing up phlegm. What is the best response by the nurse?

This is normal.

This requires further investigation.

This is indicative of an allergic reaction

This means there is probably more pathology present

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) This is normal.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication commonly used to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is an expected response and indicates that the medication is working as intended. Guaifenesin helps to clear the airways of excess mucus, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or chest congestion.

B) This requires further investigation.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a common and expected response and does not typically indicate a need for further investigation unless there are other concerning symptoms present. It is important for the nurse to provide reassurance and education about the expected effects of the medication.

C) This is indicative of an allergic reaction.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare but may include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If the client were experiencing these symptoms, it would be important to assess further for a possible allergic reaction and intervene accordingly.

D) This means there is probably more pathology present.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin does not necessarily indicate the presence of more pathology. It simply indicates that the medication is helping to loosen and mobilize mucus in the airways, which is a normal response to expectorant therapy. If the client has concerns about their symptoms, further assessment by a healthcare provider may be warranted, but coughing up phlegm alone is not necessarily indicative of worsening pathology.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Increase dosing with a large meal:
Increasing the dosing with a large meal may not be appropriate as it could lead to overdosing and potential side effects. The dosage of pancrelipase should be determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs and response to treatment. There's no evidence to support the need for increased dosing with larger meals.

B) Take the medication at least 2 hours prior to meals:
Taking the medication prior to meals may not be effective as the enzymes will not be available when food is consumed, which defeats the purpose of enzyme replacement therapy. The enzymes need to be present simultaneously with the food to aid in digestion. Waiting 2 hours before meals would mean the enzymes are not available when needed.

C) Take the medication with meals.
Pancrelipase, such as Cotazym, is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency. Taking the medication with meals is crucial because it helps ensure that the enzymes are available to aid in the digestion of food. Without proper enzyme supplementation during meals, individuals with pancreatic insufficiency may experience malabsorption, leading to nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal symptoms.

D) Decrease fluid intake:
Decreasing fluid intake is not appropriate as it could lead to dehydration and may not have any significant impact on the efficacy of pancrelipase. In fact, adequate fluid intake is important for digestion and overall health. There's no indication that fluid intake needs to be decreased when taking pancrelipase.

A. The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and paranasal sinuses B. The nose and paranasal sinuses C. The lungs and associated structures D. The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and the lungs

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and paranasal sinuses.
The upper respiratory tract consists of the structures located above the larynx (voice box). These include the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx (throat), and paranasal sinuses. These structures play vital roles in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe, as well as in olfaction (sense of smell) and speech resonance.

B) The nose and paranasal sinuses:
While the nose and paranasal sinuses are indeed part of the upper respiratory tract, this response does not include the entirety of the upper respiratory structures, such as the pharynx, which is also crucial.

C) The lungs and associated structures:
This choice is incorrect because the lungs are part of the lower respiratory tract, not the upper respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

D) The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and the lungs:
This response includes structures from both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. While the nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx belong to the upper respiratory tract, the lungs are part of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, this option is not accurate for describing the components of the upper respiratory tract.

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After taking the medication guaifenesin (Mucinex), the client complains of coughing up phlegm. What is the best response by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which instruction is most appropriate for a client who is prescribed pancrelipase (Cotazym)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with asthma. The client asks the nurse what structures make up the upper respiratory tract. Which response by the num the most appropriate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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