A male college student has presented to the campus medical clinic reporting cold symptoms that he has been experiencing for the past 2 weeks. He tells the nurse that he has been taking OTC decongestants twice daily since the onset of the cold. What teaching point should the nurse provide to this student?
"It's best to take small doses of decongestants several times daily rather than two larger doses each day."
"You can probably expect to get relief within the next few days or a week at the longest."
“Over-the-counter decongestants don't normally work; you'll likely need to get a prescription for something more effective."
"You might find yourself more congested than ever as your body compensates for your use of these drugs."
The Correct Answer is D
A. Taking smaller doses of decongestants several times a day may be appropriate for some medications but does not address the risk of rebound congestion associated with prolonged use.
B. Expecting relief within a few days may not be realistic if the cold symptoms persist for 2 weeks, indicating a potential need for further evaluation.
C. OTC decongestants can be effective, and many patients find relief from symptoms without requiring a prescription.
D. Using decongestants for an extended period can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal passages become more congested once the medication is stopped, making this a crucial point for the nurse to communicate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Acetaminophen is primarily an analgesic and antipyretic; it does not have anti-inflammatory properties, so it will not reduce swelling or inflammation.
B. While some medications may take time to show effects, this is not applicable to acetaminophen regarding inflammation, as it does not address that symptom.
C. Although acetaminophen is used for pain relief, saying it has only clinical use for pain is misleading; it is not effective for inflammation.
D. Monitoring for bleeding is important for medications that can affect coagulation, such as NSAIDs, but acetaminophen does not typically cause this risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the primary laboratory test used to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy, measuring the time it takes for blood to clot and ensuring therapeutic levels.
C. The International normalized ratio (INR) is also related to warfarin therapy rather than heparin.
D. Serum potassium level is not relevant for assessing heparin therapy but may be monitored for other reasons.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.