A nurse is preparing to administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) to a client with excessive respiratory secretions. Which of the following statements are correct regarding acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) (Select All that Apply.)
alternative usage includes being the reversal agent for acetaminophen overdoses.
This medication should not be used for clients with productive coughs.
This medication has a foul smell resembling "rotten eggs"
This medication can be utilized in client's with cystic fibrosis. This medication falls under the classification of "mucoyltic".
This medication has anticholinergic properties and side effects
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A) Alternative usage includes being the reversal agent for acetaminophen overdoses: Acetylcysteine is indeed used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It helps replenish glutathione levels in the liver, thus protecting it from damage caused by the overdose. This is a well-established use of the medication.
B) This medication should not be used for clients with productive coughs: This statement is not correct. Acetylcysteine is used to help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs. It can be beneficial for clients with productive coughs, as it aids in reducing excessive respiratory secretions.
C) This medication has a foul smell resembling "rotten eggs": Acetylcysteine has a characteristic odor that is often described as similar to rotten eggs due to the presence of sulfur in its chemical structure. This can be an important consideration for patients when administering the medication.
D) This medication can be utilized in clients with cystic fibrosis. This medication falls under the classification of "mucolytic": Acetylcysteine is classified as a mucolytic agent, making it useful for patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis, where thick mucus production is a significant issue. It helps to decrease the viscosity of secretions, facilitating easier clearance.
E) This medication has anticholinergic properties and side effects: This statement is incorrect. Acetylcysteine does not possess anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergic medications typically reduce secretions and are used for different indications, whereas acetylcysteine serves to increase mucus clearance, not decrease it.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Use this inhaler 15 minutes prior to physical activity: This is the correct recommendation for cromolyn. It is a mast cell stabilizer that helps prevent asthma symptoms by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. Using it before physical activity can help minimize exercise-induced bronchospasm.
B. Tachycardia is an adverse effect associated with this medication: This statement is misleading. Cromolyn is not typically associated with tachycardia as an adverse effect. Unlike bronchodilators, which can cause increased heart rate, cromolyn primarily works to stabilize mast cells and has a different side effect profile.
C. This medication should not be discontinued abruptly: While it is generally good practice to consult a healthcare provider before stopping any asthma medication, cromolyn does not have a significant risk of withdrawal symptoms like corticosteroids might. It is more important to maintain regular use for effectiveness rather than fear abrupt discontinuation.
D. Injections are required weekly to properly prevent asthma attacks: This statement is incorrect. Cromolyn is administered via inhalation, not by injection, and does not require weekly injections. Patients should use the inhaler as prescribed, typically several times a day, depending on their individual treatment plan.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. This medication (Benadryl) targets H2 receptors to alleviate symptoms: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is an H1 receptor antagonist, not an H2 antagonist. H1 receptors are primarily involved in allergic reactions, whereas H2 receptors are related to gastric acid secretion.
B. Take this medication on an empty stomach before breakfast. Drowsiness is a common side effect of diphenhydramine (Benadryl): While drowsiness is indeed a common side effect, taking diphenhydramine on an empty stomach is not necessarily required and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It can be taken with food if preferred.
C. Avoid CNS depressants while taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This is an important teaching point. Diphenhydramine can cause sedation, and the use of other CNS depressants (like alcohol or sedatives) can enhance this effect, increasing the risk of excessive drowsiness or other complications.
D. This medication is a 2nd generation antihistamine: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is actually a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and other side effects compared to second-generation antihistamines, which are less sedating.
E. Paradoxical reactions can be seen with this medication: This is true. In some individuals, particularly children, diphenhydramine can cause paradoxical reactions, such as increased excitability or hyperactivity, rather than the expected sedation. This is an important consideration to discuss with clients.