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 D
Explanation
A. Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, thus producing vascular constriction of capillaries in nasal mucosa: This describes the action of decongestants, not guaifenesin. Guaifenesin does not work by constricting blood vessels; rather, its primary function is to help manage mucus production.
B. Compete with histamine for receptor sites, thus preventing a histamine response and overall congestion: This mechanism is associated with antihistamines, which are used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions, not with guaifenesin. Guaifenesin does not block histamine but focuses on mucus management.
C. Treat allergic rhinitis and prevent motion sickness: While these are common uses for antihistamines, they do not apply to guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is primarily an expectorant and is not indicated for treating allergic rhinitis or motion sickness.
D. Loosen bronchial secretion to assist in elimination: Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant, promoting the clearance of mucus from the airways by loosening bronchial secretions. This facilitates easier expectoration of mucus, helping to relieve chest congestion associated with upper respiratory infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stimulates effects of histamine by occupying all H receptor sites: This statement inaccurately describes the action of diphenhydramine. Instead of stimulating histamine effects, diphenhydramine actually blocks them, particularly at H1 receptors, which areinvolved in allergic responses.
B. Blocks effects of histamine by competing and occupying H1 receptor sites: This accurately describes the mechanism of action of diphenhydramine. As an antihistamine, it competes with histamine for binding to H1 receptor sites, effectively reducing symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
C. Blocks effects of histamine by competing and occupying H2 receptor sites: This option is incorrect because H2 receptor antagonists are used primarily to reduce gastric acid secretion, not to treat allergic reactions. Diphenhydramine specifically targets H1 receptors, not H2 receptors.
D. Stimulates effects of histamine by increasing the amount of H2 receptor sites: This statement is also incorrect. Diphenhydramine does not stimulate histamine activity or increase receptor sites. Instead, it functions to inhibit the action of histamine at H1 receptors, which is fundamental in alleviating allergy symptoms.