Respiratory Drugs and Medications Q 18

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The nurse should instruct a client who is taking an expectorant to:

  

     A. Restrict fluids

     B. Increase fluids

     C. Avoid vaporizers

     D. Take antihistamines

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Increase fluids

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Increasing fluids will help liquefy secretions and facilitate removal. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion. An expectorant is a type of cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus. These medications are typically used for managing the effects of chest congestion, especially when symptoms are caused by persistent mucus.

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Option A: Expectorants are commonly used for management of the symptoms of acute (short-term) respiratory tract infections, like the common cold, pneumonia, or bronchitis. These infections can cause a build-up of phlegm in your throat or lungs. It is often difficult to cough up this thick mucus, and you can develop a nagging cough and chest discomfort due to mucus accumulation.

Option C: When cold and flu season hits, dry air can make breathing issues worse. There are several types of humidifiers on the market, including cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers. Both add moisture to the air, helping to ease cold and cough congestion.

Option D: Antihistamines specifically block the tissue effects of histamine and thereby reduce or prevent all the symptoms except stuffiness. Decongestants are required to relieve the stuffiness, thus explaining the popularity of combination products containing both antihistamines and decongestants.

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