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","E"]
Explanation
A. This medication (Benadryl) targets H2 receptors to alleviate symptoms: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is an H1 receptor antagonist, not an H2 antagonist. H1 receptors are primarily involved in allergic reactions, whereas H2 receptors are related to gastric acid secretion.
B. Take this medication on an empty stomach before breakfast. Drowsiness is a common side effect of diphenhydramine (Benadryl): While drowsiness is indeed a common side effect, taking diphenhydramine on an empty stomach is not necessarily required and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It can be taken with food if preferred.
C. Avoid CNS depressants while taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This is an important teaching point. Diphenhydramine can cause sedation, and the use of other CNS depressants (like alcohol or sedatives) can enhance this effect, increasing the risk of excessive drowsiness or other complications.
D. This medication is a 2nd generation antihistamine: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is actually a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and other side effects compared to second-generation antihistamines, which are less sedating.
E. Paradoxical reactions can be seen with this medication: This is true. In some individuals, particularly children, diphenhydramine can cause paradoxical reactions, such as increased excitability or hyperactivity, rather than the expected sedation. This is an important consideration to discuss with clients.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Palpitations: While palpitations can be concerning for many medications, they are not a commonly reported side effect of dextromethorphan. This medication primarily acts as a cough suppressant and does not typically have cardiovascular effects that would lead to palpitations. Therefore, clients should not primarily monitor for this side effect when taking dextromethorphan.
B) Hypertension: Dextromethorphan is not generally associated with causing hypertension. Its main action is to suppress the cough reflex, and it does not typically influence blood pressure levels. Patients taking this medication should focus on other side effects rather than worrying about hypertension.
C) Ataxia: Ataxia, or impaired coordination, is a notable adverse effect associated with dextromethorphan, especially at higher doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. This side effect can lead to dizziness and increased risk of falls or accidents, making it important for clients to be aware of their coordination and alertness levels while on this medication. Advising patients to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if they experience ataxia is essential for their safety.
D) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of dextromethorphan. The medication is primarily used for its antitussive properties, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea are generally not associated with its use. If patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms while taking this medication, they may need to consider other factors or medications that could be contributing to those symptoms.