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?

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.

A. Take the drug on an empty stomach is correct because tetracycline should be taken without food for optimal absorption, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

B. Take the drug along with a meal is incorrect as it can reduce the absorption of tetracycline.

C. Take the drug along with milk or fruit juice is incorrect because calcium and magnesium can bind to tetracycline, decreasing its effectiveness.

D. Take the drug immediately after meals is also incorrect as food can hinder absorption, making this timing ineffective for treatment.