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 B

Explanation

A) "I will take the medication for diarrhea."
Docusate sodium is not typically used to treat diarrhea. It is specifically indicated for constipation and is not effective for treating diarrhea.

B) "I will have soft stools 1 to 3 days after starting this medication."
Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to treat constipation by increasing the amount of water absorbed by the stool in the intestines, making it softer and easier to pass. The client's understanding that soft stools should occur 1 to 3 days after starting the medication demonstrates comprehension of the medication's expected effect.

C) "I will drink one half glass of water when I take the medication."
While it's generally a good idea to take docusate sodium with a full glass of water to help prevent dehydration and facilitate the softening of stool, the statement doesn't address the intended effect of the medication or the timing of stool softening.

D) "I can take this medication with mineral oil."
Taking docusate sodium with mineral oil is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. Mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of docusate sodium and reduce its effectiveness. It's important for the client to follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication administration.

A. Low-back pain B. Fever C. Dyspnea D. Urticaria

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Low-back pain:
Low-back pain is not typically associated with transfusion reactions. While certain complications of blood transfusions, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or hemolytic reactions, can cause back pain, diphenhydramine is not specifically administered to prevent this manifestation.

B) Fever:
Fever can be a manifestation of various transfusion reactions, including febrile non-hemolytic reactions or bacterial contamination of blood products. However, diphenhydramine is not typically administered to prevent fever associated with transfusion reactions. Instead, measures such as leukoreduction of blood products or premedication with acetaminophen may be used to reduce the risk of febrile reactions.

C) Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in severe transfusion reactions such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or anaphylaxis. While diphenhydramine may be part of the treatment for anaphylaxis, it is not specifically administered to prevent dyspnea associated with transfusion reactions.

D) Urticaria.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a common manifestation of an allergic transfusion reaction. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that can help prevent or alleviate allergic reactions, including urticaria, by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released during allergic reactions. Administering diphenhydramine before a blood transfusion is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of allergic transfusion reactions, including urticaria.

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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

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for docusate sodium. The nurse should recognize which of the following statements indicates the client understands the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer diphenhydramine to a client who is to receive a blood transfusion. The nurse should explain that the purpose diphenhydramine is to prevent which of the following manifestations of a transfusion reaction?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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