A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray for the past 10 days for allergic rhinitis. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations as an adverse effect of this medication?
Sedation
Constipation
Productive cough
Nasal congestion
The Correct Answer is D
A) Sedation:
Sedation is not an adverse effect commonly associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to relieve congestion and does not typically cause sedation.
B) Constipation:
Constipation is not an adverse effect associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Constipation is more commonly associated with medications that affect the gastrointestinal system, such as opioid analgesics or certain anticholinergic medications.
C) Productive cough:
Productive cough is not an adverse effect commonly associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Productive cough refers to a cough that produces mucus or phlegm and is more often associated with respiratory infections or chronic respiratory conditions.
D) Nasal congestion.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a nasal decongestant spray commonly used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis or the common cold. However, if oxymetazoline nasal spray is used for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days, it can lead to rebound congestion, also known as rhinitis medicamentosa. Rebound congestion occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes dependent on the medication for vasoconstriction, and upon discontinuation, nasal congestion worsens. Therefore, prolonged use of oxymetazoline nasal spray can result in a worsening of nasal congestion as an adverse effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is normal.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication commonly used to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a typical and expected response to the medication. Therefore, reassuring the client that this is a normal effect of the medication is appropriate.
B. This requires further investigation: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a common and expected outcome, so further investigation is not necessary unless there are other concerning symptoms or indications.
C. This is indicative of an allergic reaction: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare and typically present with more severe symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
D. This means there is probably more pathology present: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin does not necessarily indicate the presence of additional pathology. Guaifenesin is intended to help clear mucus from the airways and is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions associated with excess mucus production, such as cough due to cold or bronchitis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Take albuterol first.
Taking albuterol before salmeterol does not address the potential interaction between the two medications. It is important to avoid taking them together rather than just adjusting the order of administration.
B) The order of administration does not matter.
The order of administration does matter when it comes to medications with potential interactions. In this case, both albuterol and salmeterol are bronchodilators, and taking them together can increase the risk of adverse effects.
C) Take salmeterol first.
Similar to taking albuterol first, taking salmeterol before albuterol does not address the potential interaction between the two medications. The priority is to avoid taking them together unless specifically directed by the healthcare provider.
D) They should not be taken together.
Albuterol and salmeterol are both bronchodilators used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA), typically used for quick relief of acute bronchoconstriction, while salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), used for long-term control and prevention of bronchospasm. Taking both medications together can increase the risk of side effects, including excessive stimulation of the beta receptors and potential cardiovascular effects. Therefore, it is important to follow healthcare provider's instructions and avoid taking albuterol and salmeterol together unless specifically directed to do so.
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