Save
Upgrade to remove ads
Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or

show password
Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or

Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account.
Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.
focusNode
Didn't know it?
click below
 
Knew it?
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how

cough

QuestionAnswer
What are the two main cough types? Productive (“wet”) and nonproductive (“dry”). (Like the difference between a dripping faucet and a squeaky hinge.)
What does a productive cough indicate? Mucus or secretions are present; body is trying to clear the airways. (Like your car clearing exhaust through the tailpipe.)
What does a nonproductive cough indicate? No mucus—usually irritation or inflammation. (Like a smoke alarm beeping when there’s no fire.)
Define acute, subacute, and chronic cough. Acute: <3 weeks; Subacute: 3–8 weeks; Chronic: >8 weeks. (Like a guest staying a night, a week, or moving in permanently.)
When should a cough NOT be self-treated? If cough lasts >3 weeks, worsens after 3–5 days, or includes fever ≥100.4°F, blood, shortness of breath, or weight loss. (Like a light that keeps flickering—sign of a wiring problem, not a bad bulb.)
Why is cough + fever concerning? May indicate community-acquired pneumonia. (Like steam coming from your engine—time to see a mechanic.)
List other red-flag symptoms requiring referral. Cyanosis, hemoptysis, night sweats, whooping sound, sudden onset without fever, TB/HIV risk, immunocompromised, chronic disease. (Like multiple warning lights on your dashboard.)
Cough in children under what age should not be self-treated? Under 4 years old. (Like using a grown-up’s medicine on a toddler—not safe.)
Primary goal of cough therapy? Reduce frequency and severity of cough. (Like turning down the volume without muting completely.)
Secondary goals of therapy? Prevent complications such as fatigue, muscle strain, or insomnia. (Like preventing a small leak from flooding the basement.)
Non-drug options for cough relief? Honey, lozenges, humidifiers, saline rinses, hydration, and nasal drainage. (Like cleaning a clogged air filter before using chemicals.)
Why avoid honey in children under 1 year? Risk of botulism. (Like feeding an infant food they can’t digest safely yet.)
How does honey help with cough? May soothe throat and stimulate saliva. (Like coating sandpaper with oil.)
How does humidification help cough? Moist air reduces irritation and loosens mucus. (Like adding steam to soften hard clay.)
What type of humidifier is preferred? Cool-mist, because it avoids burns and limits bacterial growth. (Like a fan instead of a heater for safe cooling.)
How to clean a humidifier? Empty daily and disinfect weekly. (Like cleaning a coffee maker to prevent mold.)
What is the correct water for saline nasal irrigation? Distilled, sterile, or boiled—not tap water. (Like using filtered water for a fish tank.)
What is the main oral antitussive schedule category? As-needed (PRN). (Like taking motion sickness tablets only when traveling.)
Codeine mechanism of action? Acts centrally on the medulla to raise cough threshold. (Like raising the sensitivity on a smoke detector so it doesn’t go off for toast.)
When should codeine be avoided? Respiratory disorders, pregnancy, lactation, or children <18 years old. (Like driving a car with bad brakes—too risky.)
Codeine side effects? Sedation, constipation, dizziness, respiratory depression, abuse potential. (Like using too much brake—stops everything.)
Dextromethorphan mechanism? Same as codeine—acts on cough center without narcotic effects. (Like a “mute button” for cough.)
Dextromethorphan onset and duration? Onset 15–30 min, lasts 3–6 hrs. (Like fast Wi-Fi—quick start but short range.)
Dextromethorphan side effects? Mild drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, constipation (rare). (Like mild jet lag—slows you down slightly.)
Major interactions for dextromethorphan? MAOIs, SSRIs, CYP2D6 inhibitors → serotonin syndrome risk. (Like combining two playlists at once—chaotic results.)
What is “robotripping”? Abuse of dextromethorphan for hallucinogenic effects. (Like inhaling too much whipped-cream propellant for a “high.”)
Diphenhydramine mechanism? Acts centrally to suppress cough; also antihistaminic and anticholinergic. (Like a sleepy bouncer quieting everything down.)
Diphenhydramine common side effects? Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, paradoxical excitation (kids/elderly). (Like caffeine having the opposite effect in some people.)
Who should avoid diphenhydramine? People with BPH, glaucoma, asthma, or on CNS depressants. (Like not stacking sleep aids with alcohol.)
Diphenhydramine dose for adults? 25 mg every 4 hours (max 150 mg/day). (Like a small cup of coffee spaced throughout the day.)
Topical antitussive examples? Camphor and menthol. (Like cooling gels for muscles but inhaled.)
Topical antitussive mechanism? Inhaled vapors create local anesthetic sensation in nose/mucosa for improved airflow. (Like breathing minty air to “feel” clear even if not.)
Topical antitussive side effects? Skin or eye irritation; burning. (Like touching your eye after handling chili peppers.)
Topical antitussive precautions? Avoid use right before or after hot baths; avoid tight bandages and damaged skin. (Like not applying cologne right after shaving.)
Topical antitussive drug interaction? Menthol may decrease INR in warfarin users. (Like adding sugar that changes the taste of medicine.)
Protussive agent name? Guaifenesin. (Like a “thinner” for mucus paint.)
Guaifenesin mechanism? Loosens and thins lower respiratory secretions for easier cough. (Like adding warm water to loosen hardened syrup.)
Guaifenesin side effects? Nausea, dizziness, headache, rash, stomach pain. (Like a mild sugar crash after candy.)
Guaifenesin interactions? None significant. (Like using plain water—safe with almost everything.)
Guaifenesin dosing for adults? 200–400 mg every 4 hours (max 2.4 g/day). (Like small steady doses of water instead of one flood.)
What is the key counseling point for guaifenesin? Drink plenty of water—it works best with hydration. (Like trying to clean dishes without water—it won’t work.)
What evidence exists for guaifenesin efficacy? Very limited; hydration is often just as effective. (Like paying extra for bottled tap water.)
Why limit cough medication use in children under 4? Higher risk of side effects and accidental overdose. (Like child locks on medicine cabinets for a reason.)
What percentage of improvement in cough studies may be placebo effect? Large—up to 85%. (Like thinking your favorite candy cures a sore throat because it tastes soothing.)
General rule for starting treatment? Always try non-drug options before medication. (Like checking the power cord before replacing your device.)
What is the “golden rule” for cough therapy in older adults? Avoid cough medications when possible; increased risk of side effects and interactions. (Like sensitive electronics—you handle them gently or not at all.)
Why avoid codeine and dextromethorphan in older adults? They are more prone to sedation and falls. (Like slippery floors—more dangerous as you age.)
Why avoid diphenhydramine in older adults? Anticholinergic effects can cause confusion and urinary retention. (Like using the wrong tool that makes the problem worse.)
When should patients follow up with a healthcare provider? If cough worsens, new symptoms appear, or no improvement after 7 days. (Like calling tech support when rebooting doesn’t work.)
How long can a mild cough last even after improvement? 2–4 weeks. (Like an echo that fades slowly but still lingers.)
Overall key counseling message for cough management? Start with honey, humidification, or saline; use OTC drugs only when needed; and know when to seek care. (Like fixing the environment before replacing the part.)
Created by: eskay264
 

 



Voices

Use these flashcards to help memorize information. Look at the large card and try to recall what is on the other side. Then click the card to flip it. If you knew the answer, click the green Know box. Otherwise, click the red Don't know box.

When you've placed seven or more cards in the Don't know box, click "retry" to try those cards again.

If you've accidentally put the card in the wrong box, just click on the card to take it out of the box.

You can also use your keyboard to move the cards as follows:

If you are logged in to your account, this website will remember which cards you know and don't know so that they are in the same box the next time you log in.

When you need a break, try one of the other activities listed below the flashcards like Matching, Snowman, or Hungry Bug. Although it may feel like you're playing a game, your brain is still making more connections with the information to help you out.

To see how well you know the information, try the Quiz or Test activity.

Pass complete!
"Know" box contains:
Time elapsed:
Retries:
restart all cards