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A medical assistant is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchase an over-the-counter antitussive, but the patient tells the assistant that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the assistant make?
A medical assistant is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchase an over-the-counter antitussive, but the patient tells the assistant that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the assistant make?1) An antitussive is a medication used to treat coughing.
2) An antitussive is a medication used to treat fever.
3) An antitussive is a medication used to treat allergies.
4) An antitussive is a medication used to treat pain.
Final answer:An antitussive is a medication used to treat coughing by suppressing the cough reflex. Its effectiveness, especially in children, is often debated, and for productive coughs such as in bronchitis cases, its use may be discouraged.Explanation:When a patient inquires about an antitussive after a provider recommends purchasing one, the medical assistant should explain that an antitussive is a medication used to treat coughing. Antitussives work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. This is essential for reducing cough symptoms, particularly in cases where coughing is non-productive and does not aid in clearing the respiratory tract of mucus.However, it is important to note that the efficacy of cough medication can be questionable, especially in children, with some cough medicines no more effective than placebos for acute coughs. For conditions like bronchitis, doctors may advise against using cough suppressants if the cough is productive to ensure mucus can be effectively coughed out....