A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who reports taking pseudoephedrine for sinus congestion as needed. The nurse should identify that pseudoephedrine is contraindicated for which of the following client conditions?

Expectorants are medications that help to loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and expel. They work by increasing the production of respiratory tract secretions, which helps to hydrate and thin the mucus, making it less sticky and easier to clear from the airways. By stimulating the production and secretion of mucus, expectorants promote coughing and facilitate the removal of excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.

It's important to note that expectorants are primarily used for productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm or mucus). If the cough is dry and non-productive, other types of cough suppressants or remedies may be more appropriate.

Regarding the other options:

Reduces inflammation: Expectorants do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. Anti-inflammatory medications such as glucocorticoids are typically used for reducing inflammation in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dries mucous membranes: Expectorants do not have a drying effect on mucous membranes. In fact, they work to increase the hydration and fluidity of respiratory secretions.

Suppresses the urge to cough: Expectorants do not suppress the urge to cough. They promote coughing by facilitating the clearance of mucus and phlegm from the airways. Cough suppressants, on the other hand, are medications used to relieve a dry, non-productive cough by suppressing the cough reflex.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic medication that acts as a decongestant by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps to relieve sinus congestion. However, it can also cause vasoconstriction in other parts of the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it is contraindicated for individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure).

The other conditions mentioned, migraines, eczema, and diverticulitis, are not contraindications for the use of pseudoephedrine. However, it is important for individuals with these conditions to consult their healthcare provider before taking pseudoephedrine, as it may interact with other medications or exacerbate certain symptoms.