Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

Which of these conditions is not commonly treated with an antitussive?

1. Persistent cough

2. Dry cough

3. Congested cough

4. Post-surgical cough

The correct answer is: Congested cough

The condition that is not commonly treated with an antitussive is a congested cough. Antitussives are primarily used to suppress cough reflexes, particularly in cases of persistent or dry coughs where the coughing is unproductive and may disrupt sleep or daily activities. A congested cough, on the other hand, typically involves mucus production and indicates that the body is trying to clear irritants or secretions from the airways. In such cases, antitussives would not be appropriate because they could hinder the natural process of clearing mucus, potentially leading to further complications like infection. Instead, other treatments such as expectorants are often recommended to help facilitate mucus clearance from the respiratory system. In summary, antitussives are aimed at treating coughs that are disruptive but not productive, while congested coughs should be managed through different therapeutic approaches.