Help needed with another case study

1. Hi Everyone! It's me again!
   
   Sorry to bother you all, but I need direction, advice, etc once again! I have been given another case study to figure out in Pharmacology, but seeing as I have no experience as of yet in the medical field, I could use some guidance!
   
   Here's the description and the questions I need to answer:
   
   "a 26 year-old client presents to the nurse-run clinic at the university with complaints of a cold and flu-like symptoms. She complains of fatigue, body aches, cough, nasal congestion, and mild fever. This client is concerned about her illness because she is studying for her final exams. She is given a decongestant and an antitussive to take every 4-6 hours.
   
   1) How do these drugs work together to address the illness?
   
   2)What actions are indicated to maximize therapeutic effects?
   
   3)What actions are indicated to minimize adverse effects?
   
   4)What teaching is required regarding her drug therapy?"
   
   Any advice, tips, places to go for info would be very much appreciated!
   
   Thank you so much!

   •  
2. 

   About sashibeak

   Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 89
   Mother/Baby & Nursery RN
   Specialty: 1 year(s) of experience in OB/GYN

   7 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   May 19, '03

   The decongestant is for the nasal congestion and the antitussive is for the cough...The antitussive/ expectorant helps supress the cough by central mechanism...Expect"s...help mobilize pulmonary secretions,,,If the pt has a productive cough, she shouldn't take the antitussive unless it interferes w/ ADL's and h.s.
   Encourage her to sit upright and take several deep breaths before coughing...drink about 1500-2000ml to decrease thickness(viscosity)of secretions...
   Hope this helps a little......
4. 
   May 19, '03

   Here's some advice for future assignments..... look in your drug book. After every drug listing it has the therapeutic actions, side effects, teaching, etc. It's all nicely laid out for ya.
5. 
   May 20, '03

   Thank you both for your replies and help/advice! It is much appreciated! :kiss
   
   I now have an idea on how to go about this. Bless you, and have a great day!
6. 
   May 20, '03

   I think we need to rethink requests that involve doing the critical thinking assignments for students. We do these future nurses no favors. This reminds me of the expression:
   
   "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day..teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime."
7. 
   May 20, '03

   I appreciate what you're saying, ageless.
   
   I am only asking advice, as a) I am not yet in the nursing program and have no medical experience, and b) I am looking for advice as to WHERE I can find these answers. I am doing an online Pharmacology course. I never get chance to see my "instructor" to ask questions and query assignments.
   
   Forgive my prudence....... I am only looking for guidance from those who know best.......... nurses themselves.
   
   Many thanks!
8. 
   May 20, '03

   Sashibeak, my guess is that you will become an excellent nurse.
9. 
   May 20, '03

   Thanks Ageless! I will surely do my very best.
   
   Have a wonderful day!

Must Read Topics