A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypertension.
The nurse should recognize that which of the following over-the-counter medications is contraindicated for this client?

Choice A rationale:

“You must rinse your mouth out after each dose.” This is incorrect. Rinsing the mouth after each dose is usually recommended for inhaled corticosteroids, not oral prednisone.

Choice B rationale:

“You should take this medication on an empty stomach.” This is incorrect. Prednisone should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.

Choice C rationale:

“You should take a calcium supplement while taking this medication.” This is correct because long-term use of prednisone can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) Taking a calcium supplement can help protect bone health.

Choice D rationale:

“You can expect some weight loss with this medication.” This is incorrect. Weight gain, not weight loss, is a common side effect of long-term prednisone use.

Choice A rationale:

Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken without water. The tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve.

Choice B rationale:

It is recommended to take sublingual nitroglycerin before activities that might cause angina.

Choice C rationale:

The maximum recommended dosage is three tablets within 15 minutes, not four.

Choice D rationale:

Sublingual nitroglycerin should not be chewed. It should be allowed to dissolve under the tongue.