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?
"It's best to take small doses of decongestants several times daily rather than two larger doses each day."
"You can probably expect to get relief within the next few days or a week at the longest."
“Over-the-counter decongestants don't normally work; you'll likely need to get a prescription for something more effective."
"You might find yourself more congested than ever as your body compensates for your use of these drugs."
The Correct Answer is D
A. Taking smaller doses of decongestants several times a day may be appropriate for some medications but does not address the risk of rebound congestion associated with prolonged use.
B. Expecting relief within a few days may not be realistic if the cold symptoms persist for 2 weeks, indicating a potential need for further evaluation.
C. OTC decongestants can be effective, and many patients find relief from symptoms without requiring a prescription.
D. Using decongestants for an extended period can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal passages become more congested once the medication is stopped, making this a crucial point for the nurse to communicate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Performing a blood sugar analysis is important, but in the case of sudden symptoms such as weakness, shakiness, and dizziness, it is crucial to act quickly to address the potential hypoglycemia without delay.
B. Having the client drink a 4-ounce glass of orange juice is the most appropriate initial response as it provides a quick source of glucose to alleviate symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is a common concern in clients with type 1 diabetes experiencing these symptoms.
C. Administering 1 ampule of 50% dextrose intravenously is an effective treatment for hypoglycemia but is typically reserved for severe cases where the patient is unable to consume oral glucose or is unconscious.
D. Administering 10 units of regular insulin subcutaneously would exacerbate the problem by lowering blood sugar further and is contraindicated in a patient experiencing hypoglycemic symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps retain potassium while promoting sodium and water excretion. This makes it advantageous for clients who may be at risk for hypokalemia with furosemide, which can lead to significant potassium loss.
B. This statement is incorrect; spironolactone causes less potassium loss compared to furosemide, making it a better option for those needing to maintain potassium levels.
C. This statement is misleading; spironolactone does promote diuresis but does not cause greater water losses than furosemide.
D. This is incorrect; while spironolactone does promote sodium excretion, it does not do so to a greater extent than furosemide, which is a more potent diuretic.
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