NUR 161 TTC Test 1 Questions and
Correct Answers
Antitussives: Dextromethorphan ✅relieve or suppress coughing by blocking the cough
reflex in the medulla of the brain.
NC: monitor temp, don't take longer than recommended (don't want to cover up
underlying infection or other causes of cough), if cough persists see HCP. don't use if pt
needs to cough to clear airway or has hx of narcotic addiction/ CNS issues.
Topical Nasal Decongestants: Ephedrine ✅decreased blood flow to upper respiratory
tract and decreases production of secretions. causes vasoconstriction, relief of
congestion.
NC: watch for rebound congestion, dry membranes, monitor for urinary retention, take
no longer than 5 days, watch for sedation effect, OTC interactions
Oral Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine ✅shrink mucous membranes of nose.
promotion of drainage in sinus and increase in airflow.
NC: watch for rebound congestion, don't use longer than 1 week, sedation effects,
urinary retention, OTC interactions
Topical Nasal Steroids ✅Treatment for rhinosinusitis, decrease inflammation of nasal
membranes.
NC: dryness of mucosa, fungal infections, don't use if acute/active infection present,
make sure pt takes regularly due to delayed onset, watch vital signs (temp)
Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine ✅blocks histamine receptor site, decreasing the
allergic response
NC: onset 1-3h, watch for arrhythmias, sedation effects, upset GI, drying of membranes,
administer on empty stomach, option for trying different drug no effect, dry mouth,
increase humidity/fluid intake, void before dose (decrease urinary retention), avoid
alcohol w/ use, OTC interactions
Expectorants: Guaifenesin ✅enhances output of fluids by decreasing adhesiveness
allowing easier movement of secretions and more productive cough, decreased
frequency of cough. does not suppress cough. used for dry, nonproductive cough.
NC: onset 30 min, don't use with persistent cough, take no longer than 1 week, GI
issues, rash, monitor vitals (temp), eat multiple small meals, watch for sedation effects,
OTC interaction
, Mucolytics: Acetylcysteine ✅decrease the viscosity of respiratory secretions by altering
the chemical composition of the mucus through the breakdown of chemical (disulfide)
bonds. used for high risk respiratory pts (COPD, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia).
NC: amin via nebulizer or trachea, Dornase alfa is specific to cystic fibrosis pts, do not
combine w. other drugs in nebulizer, watch for skin breakdown
Xanthines: Aminophylline, Theophylline ✅relief or prevention of asthma and reversal of
bronchospasm associated w/ COPD. direct effect on smooth muscle of respiratory tract.
NC: not recommended w/ nicotine use. evaluate theophylline serum levels (10-20
therapeutic), administer w/ food or milk, should not be used in pts w/ alcoholism/renal or
hepatic disease, don't take w/ chocolate
Sympathomimetric: Epinephrine (albuterol) ✅beta 2 agonist, bronchodilator that
increases rate and depth of respiration, used for acute asthma attack (rescue inhaler),
prevention of exercise induced asthma (30-60 min prior), and in bronchospasm for
acute or chronic asthma
NC: pt may have to try different drugs to find best effect, use min amt needed for
shortest amt of time, not for use w/ diabetic/heart disease/arrhythmias, eat small
frequent meals, long acting not to be used for acute attacks
Anticholinergics: Ipratropium ✅affect the vagus nerve to relax bronchial smooth
muscle and thereby promote bronchodilation, blocks vagally mediated reflexes by
antagonizing the action of acetylcholine, tx of bronchospasms assoc w/ COPD
NC: onset 15m, eval for peanut allergy, keep pt hydrated/humidifier, void before use,
watch for sedation effects, provide small frequent meals, no more than 12 inhalations in
24h,
Inhaled Steroids: Budesonide ✅decrease inflammatory response in airway,
prevention/tx of asthma, tx bronchospasm
NC: not for use in emergency attacks, risk for fungal infections, dry mouth, taper
steroids if discontinued use, rinse mouth after use, continued use necessary to get
desired effect (long onset), watch for respiratory infection
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Zafirlukast ✅block/antagonize receptors for
production of leukotrienes, prophylaxis/tx of chronic bronchial asthma
NC: watch for use w/ renal/hepatic disease, admin on empty stomach, not to be used
for acute asthma attack, take continuously to maintain therapeutic levels, don't take w/
aspirin
