Question

a nurse is teaching a client about the use of an expectorant to treat a cough. the nurse should include that an expectorant has which of the following therapeutic effects?
suppresses the cough stimulus
reduces surface tension
reduces inflammation
dries mucous membranes

Explanation:

Expectorants work by reducing the surface tension of respiratory secretions, making mucus thinner and easier to cough up. Suppressing the cough stimulus is the effect of antitussives, reducing inflammation is for anti-inflammatory medications, and drying mucous membranes is the action of decongestants.

Answer:

B. Reduces surface tension