Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema and is experiencing a frequent, very dry, hacking cough. the client asks for something to suppress the cough. what medication should the nurse request from the health care provider?

a. expectorant
b. mucolytic
c. antihistamine
d. antitussive

Answer 1

For a client with emphysema and a dry cough, the nurse should request an antitussive medication from the health care provider to suppress the cough.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate medication for a client with emphysema who is experiencing a frequent, dry, hacking cough is an antitussive. Antitussives are substances which suppress the coughing itself, targeting the cough reflex in the nervous system. Since the cough is non-productive (not coughing up mucus), suppressing it can provide relief and comfort to the patient. In cases like this, where the cough is dry and irritating, using an expectorant or mucolytic might not be beneficial as they are designed to thin and loosen mucus to be coughed out. Antihistamines are typically used for symptoms associated with allergies, like allergic rhinitis, and may not be effective in this scenario. Therefore, the nurse should request an antitussive from the health care provider.