A client has an important presentation to make in 4 hours, and he needs relief from the congestion of seasonal rhinitis. The client calls the nurse, explains the situation, and tells the nurse that he cannot afford to be drowsy.
What medication is most likely to meet this client’s needs?

Glycerin suppositories are safe and effective for infants with constipation. They work by lubricating and softening the stool, and stimulating the rectal muscles to contract.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium hydroxide is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age, and may cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, or magnesium toxicity.

Choice Cis wrong because watchful waiting for 24 hours may not be enough to relieve the infant’s discomfort and may lead to further complications such as fecal impaction or dehydration.

Choice Dis wrong because feeding supplementation with free water may not be sufficient to treat constipation, and may dilute the infant’s intake of nutrients and electrolytes.

A. A 12-year-old child with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not typically a candidate for misoprostol, as it is not indicated for this condition.

B. A 46-year-old trial lawyer with hypertension might need caution when using misoprostol, as it can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, which could be problematic.

C. An 83-year-old client with rheumatoid arthritis is the best candidate for misoprostol, particularly if they are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for their condition. Misoprostol is often used to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in patients at high risk, such as elderly individuals or those with a history of ulcers.

D. A 22-year-old pregnant client should not be given misoprostol unless it is used for specific obstetric indications under close supervision. Misoprostol can induce uterine contractions and is contraindicated in pregnancy unless used for medical reasons like inducing labor or treating postpartum hemorrhage.