A patient who has a viral upper respiratory infection reports having a runny nose and a cough that prevents sleep and asks the nurse to recommend an over-the-counter medication. Which medication will the nurse recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diphenhydramine is effective in suppressing cough and also has sedative effects when used in doses to suppress cough. Fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine is a combination antihistamine/decongestant and will not help with cough. Guaifenesin helps make coughs more productive but will not suppress cough or help with sleep. Phenylephrine drops have decongestant properties.

A Patient Who Has a Viral Upper Respiratory Infection Reports