Karch's Focus on Pharmacology 8th Ed. | Chapter 54

A client asks the nurse how long to use oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray for nasal congestion. What is the nurse's best response?

"Consult with your primary care provider."

After teaching a client who is receiving an antitussive about the drug, which statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

"I'll keep the room warm and toasty."

A male college student has presented to the campus medical clinic reporting cold symptoms that he has been experiencing for the past 2 weeks. He tells the nurse that he has been taking OTC decongestants twice daily since the onset of the cold. What teaching point should the nurse provide to this student?

"You might find yourself more congested than ever as your body compensates for your use of these drugs."

The client states that he/she once needed medication to liquefy secretions in the respiratory tract. However, the client cannot recall the name of the medication but states that the medication is added to a nebulizer. The nurse suspects the client is taking which medication?

Acetylcysteine

A client reports a hacking cough. The client asks if taking an antihistamine would be helpful. The nurse's best response is:

Antihistamines are not recommended because they can dry lower respiratory secretions and worsen secretion retention and cough.

Which agent would the nurse identify as providing local anesthesia to the respiratory passages?

Benzonatate

Which of the following would a nurse identify as a first generation antihistamine? Select all that apply.

Clemastine Dimenhydrinate (nausea/motion sickness but 1st generation)

A client having an allergic reaction to mold, describes chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Which process is occurring?

Contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchi

A nursing student is researching which antihistamine drug that elicits its antihistamine effects by selectively binding to peripheral H1 receptors?

Desloratadine

Decongestants should be used cautiously in clients with which conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Diabetes Glaucoma

The nursing instructor is teaching their lab students the best position for the administration of nasal sprays. What position would the instructor teach the students?

High Fowler's

Which should be observed during ongoing assessment of a client taking a decongestant? (Select all that apply.)

Level of congestion Blood pressure Therapeutic effect

Which agent would a nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe for a client experiencing motion sickness?

Meclizine

A patient is advised to take a decongestant drug to relieve nasal congestion associated with hay fever. The patient is not comfortable with a nasal spray or drops and prefers an oral tablet. Which oral decongestant drugs can be administered to the patient?

Pseudoephedrine

When the use of antihistamines result in dryness of the mouth, the nurse should recommend which to relieve the dryness? Select all that apply.

Suck on sugarless hard candy. Offer ice chips. Take frequent sips of water.

What medication should be prescribed to minimize the risk associated with a blood transfusion for a client with a history of a previous transfusion reaction?

diphenhydramine

When describing the benefits of second-generation H1 receptor antagonists to those of first-generation H1 receptor antagonists, the nurse should cite what advantage?

Decreased sedation

Mr. Zee is prescribed an inhaled nasal steroid to relieve his symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. What is true about inhaled nasal steroids?

Inhaled nasal steroids are more effective than oral medications in treating the global symptoms associated with allergies.

The health care provider has ordered promethazine (Phenergan) for a client who is having a severe allergic reaction. The nurse is aware that this medication is also used to treat what condition?

Nausea and vomiting

What should the client be told about nasal drops? (Select all that apply.)

Recline on a bed and hang your head over the edge. After using the drops keep head down and rotate it from side to side. Do not share the container with anyone. Nasal burning or stinging may occur with the use of topical decongestants. Rationale: A client should be counseled to administer nasal drops while reclined on a bed with their head over the edge and after using the drops to keep the head dose and rotate it from side to side. The client may experience some burning or stinging after the administration of the nasal spray. The container should not be shared with anyone.

A 62-year-old client has been prescribed an antihistamine to alleviate vasomotor rhinitis. The client reports gastric irritation after taking the tablet. Which instructions should the nurse provide to help alleviate the client's condition?

Take the tablet with food.

What outcome may be expected if allergic rhinitis is improperly treated? Select all that apply.

asthma sinusitis insomnia chronic fatigue

Which condition would contraindicate the use of or oxymetazoline?

hypertension