Question

2. What is the expected effect of an antitussive agent? A. Kill bacteria causing infection OB. Prevent or relieve coughing C. Decrease the amount of histamine produced in the body D. Reduce the swelling of mucous membranes in nasal passages​

Answer 1

Option B. Prevent or relieve coughing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antitussive medication are used when the patient experiences a persistent cough that is potentially affective quality of life or ability to perform activities of daily living. A common antitussive is dextromethorphan. The goal of these medications is to make the cough less frequent and less intense without getting rid of the useful cough reflex entirely -- we do not want patient to be unable to expel potential choking hazards. So the closest answer to this is option B.

Option A is describing a bactericidal antimicrobial or anti-infective such as vancomycin. Option C is describing an antihistamine, most of which do NOT block histamine release; rather, they block the effects of histamine at the receptor site. Option D seems like it could be describing a corticosteroid or steroidal anti-inflammatory agent like fluticasone.