RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 2229 of 2368

A client is taking guaifenesin for a productive cough. Which instruction should the nurse include?

  1. Limit fluids to reduce the amount of mucus that the lungs produce
  2. Increase fluid intake to thin secretions unless it is contraindicated
  3. Take the medication with a small amount of alcohol to help relax
  4. Avoid coughing and deep breathing for one hour after each dose
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Correct answer: Increase fluid intake to thin secretions unless it is contraindicated

Expectorants loosen mucus, and extra fluid helps thin secretions when it is not contraindicated.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Respiratory System: EXPECTORANTS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026