The nurse administers an antitussive/expectorant cough preparation to a patient with bronchitis.Which response indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An antitussive/expectorant medication helps to reduce coughing and make it more productive, meaning the patient is able to cough up and expel mucus. Choice A is incorrect as decreasing sputum production is not a desired effect with expectorant use. Choice B is incorrect as complete suppression of the cough is not desirable for patients with bronchitis because it can lead to retained secretions and increased risk for infection. Choice D is incorrect as thick yellow sputum may indicate an infection, which would require further treatment.

The Nurse Administers an Antitussive/expectorant Cough Preparation to a Patient