A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
A.
Expectorating bronchial secretions.
B.
Reports reduced nasal discharge.
C.
Able to sleep through the night.
D.
Denies having coughing spells.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Denies having coughing spells.
Explanation:
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive medication used to suppress coughing by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the cough reflex. Its primary indication is for the relief of cough associated with the common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. When assessing the effectiveness of benzonatate, the most direct measure of its impact is the client’s reporting of coughing spells.
- Mechanism of Action: Benzonatate works by anesthetizing the stretch receptors in the lungs and pleura, which reduces the cough reflex. Therefore, if the client denies having coughing spells, it suggests that the medication is successfully alleviating the cough.
- Other Options:
- A. Expectorating bronchial secretions: While some clients might expectorate secretions, the goal of benzonatate is to suppress the cough rather than to promote expectoration. Expectoration can sometimes indicate a productive cough that may not be alleviated by an antitussive.
- B. Reports reduced nasal discharge: This assessment is related to nasal symptoms rather than cough. While reduced nasal discharge may indicate a response to treatment, it does not directly assess the effectiveness of benzonatate.
- C. Able to sleep through the night: Although sleeping well can be a result of effective cough suppression, it is not as direct a measure as the client’s report of cough frequency or severity. Other factors, such as environmental noise or overall health, may also affect sleep.
In summary, the denial of coughing spells (Option D) directly reflects the effectiveness of benzonatate in managing the cough associated with the client’s cold. Therefore, it serves as the best indicator that the medication is functioning as intended.