N105: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Differences

Essentials of Nursing Study Guide

• Non-narcotic antitussive agents: medications like Robitussin DM; contraindications are COPD, chronic productive cough; instruct patient not to take water for 30 minutes to optimize antitussive effect • Bronchodilators : inhibit histamine release by mast cells; autonomic nervous system agent; respiratory smooth muscle relaxants; decrease airway resistance; relieve bronchospasm in asthma and COPD; bronchodilators are Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, and Velma; teach clients not to increase dosage unless approved by the physician; instruct clients not to use over the counter antihistamines or decongestants unless ordered by a physician to prevent potentiation of effects; bronchodilators may cause dizziness or vertigo • Expectorants: used to increase sputum clearance; some expectorants are Hytuss, Mucinex, and Guaifenesin; instruct patient to avoid drinking fluids for 30 minutes after taking cough medication to promote demulcent effects • Anti-anemiamedications : used for iron deficiency (anemia), prophylactically during infancy, childhood and pregnancy; iron preparations are Ferrous Sulfate; adverse effects are nausea, constipation or diarrhea, dark stools, anorexia, GI irritation, staining of teeth with liquid products, and vomiting; iron should be taken within one hour of bedtime because they can be corrosive to the stomach; for best absorption of iron, administer with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, orange juice) Implementation: maintain oxygen intake and supply and promote effective breathing and oxygenation (teach relaxation techniques, position for lung expansion, change positions to prevent pooling of secretions, discourage smoking); instruct client in use of incentive spirometer and coughing and deep breathing exercises; instruct client in pursed lip breathing and cupping and clapping (percussion and vibration); provide suctioning as needed; administer medication as ordered; administer blood/blood products and observe for any adverse reaction; encourage client to exercise, promote maintenance of tissue perfusion and cardiac output, increase protein and iron intake to promote oxygen absorption and promote circulation; administer oxygen as ordered to prevent or treat hypoxia; provide information and instruction to the patient and family regarding oxygenation; refer client and family to community resources to promote continuity of care, such as durable medical equipment, assistive devices, and medical supply companies and support groups such as the American Lung Association and the Allergy Foundation of America Evaluation: assess the patient’s response to nursing interventions; revise the patient’s plan of care based on reassessment of the patient and determine the patient’s response to care provided by other members of the health care team

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