A nurse is educating a client on how to self-administer a metered dose inhaler (MDI). The client should be in a

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before use.

A. Report clear-colored sputum to the provider: Clear-colored sputum is typically normal and not an indication of infection or complication. The client does not need to report it unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

B. Increase your oral fluid intake: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways. Increasing fluid intake helps optimize its effectiveness, making coughs more productive and facilitating mucus clearance.

C. Report symptoms that last longer than 2 days: Symptoms of a sinus infection often last longer than two days, and short-duration monitoring is insufficient. Clients are usually advised to report persistent or worsening symptoms after about 7–10 days, so this instruction is inaccurate.

D. This medication will stop your cough: Guaifenesin does not suppress cough; instead, it loosens mucus to make coughing more productive. Telling the client it will stop their cough could lead to misunderstanding of the medication’s purpose and effectiveness.

• Sit down after taking nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin causes rapid vasodilation, which can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure shortly after administration. Sitting or lying down helps reduce the risk of dizziness, syncope, and falls during this period. This instruction is especially important because sublingual nitroglycerin acts quickly.

• Hypotension: Nitroglycerin relaxes vascular smooth muscle, leading to decreased preload and afterload. This vasodilatory effect can cause orthostatic or systemic hypotension, particularly with the first dose. Monitoring and education focus on preventing complications related to low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness or fainting.