The nurse is caring for a client currently taking oxymetazoline. Which of the following statements should the nurse include regarding oxymetazoline?
Limit use of the drug to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion
This drug may be used in maintenance treatment for asthma
This medication may take up to a week to see effects
Take this drug at bedtime because it may cause drowsiness
The Correct Answer is A
A. Limit use of the drug to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion: Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant that can lead to rebound congestion if used for more than three consecutive days. This condition, known as rhinitis medicamentosa, can worsen nasal congestion rather than alleviate it, making it crucial for clients to adhere to this guideline.
B. This drug may be used in maintenance treatment for asthma: Oxymetazoline is not indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is a nasal decongestant, primarily used for temporary relief of nasal congestion due to colds or allergies, and does not address the underlying inflammation in asthma.
C. This medication may take up to a week to see effects: In fact, oxymetazoline provides rapid relief of nasal congestion, typically within minutes of administration. Clients should expect to feel its effects much sooner rather than having to wait a week, which can lead to misuse or overuse of the medication.
D. Take this drug at bedtime because it may cause drowsiness: Oxymetazoline is not known to cause drowsiness; rather, it works as a decongestant. Patients are usually advised to use it during the day as needed, and it should not be specifically recommended for bedtime use
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. CNS Depressants: While there may be general concerns about using multiple medications that affect the central nervous system, CNS depressants do not have a direct interaction with oxymetazoline. Oxymetazoline is primarily a nasal decongestant and its interactions are more specific to other classes of medications.
B. Short Acting Beta Agonist: Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) are bronchodilators used in asthma management. There is no direct interaction with oxymetazoline; they are used for different purposes and act on different receptors.
C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): This option is correct. MAOIs can potentially interact with oxymetazoline, leading to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects. The combination can cause vasoconstriction due to the stimulant effects of both oxymetazoline and the increased levels of norepinephrine resulting from MAOI inhibition.
D. Mast Cell Inhibitors: Mast cell stabilizers do not interact directly with oxymetazoline. These medications are used primarily to manage allergic responses and asthma symptoms and do not have a significant effect on the actions of oxymetazoline.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Make sure to use this each time I feel an asthma attack coming on": This statement indicates a need for further education. LABAs are not intended for immediate relief of acute asthma symptoms or attacks; they are designed for long-term control and prevention of symptoms. Clients should use a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) for quick relief during an asthma attack, not a LABA.
B. "I know that these drugs can sometimes make my heart beat faster": This statement reflects an understanding of a potential side effect of LABAs. Increased heart rate is a known side effect, and it is important for clients to be aware of this possibility.
C. "I've heard that this drug sometimes gets less effective over time": This statement is accurate. Tolerance can develop with LABA use, and clients should be informed about this possibility to monitor their symptoms and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
D. "I've heard that this drug is particularly good at preventing asthma attacks during exercise": This statement is correct. LABAs can be beneficial for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm when used as part of a regular asthma management plan, and clients should understand this use.