A patient being treated for cancer is receiving medication for palliation. The nurse understands that palliative therapy is used to

A. Tiotropium (Spiriva) works by relaxing and dilating the bronchioles

Tiotropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, leading to relaxation and dilation of the bronchioles, which helps improve airflow in the lungs.

B. If you experience dry mouth, stop taking the medication immediately

Dry mouth is a common side effect of tiotropium but is not a reason to stop taking the medication. The nurse may advise the patient to manage dry mouth with measures such as increased water intake or using sugar-free gum.

C. Use tiotropium (Spiriva) as needed for sudden breathing problems

Tiotropium is typically used as a maintenance medication for long-term control of COPD symptoms, not as a rescue medication for sudden breathing problems. Short-acting bronchodilators are often prescribed for acute symptom relief.

D. Remove the capsules from the packaging and place in your 7-day med box

Tiotropium is available in a dry powder inhalation capsule, and it should be used with the inhalation device provided. Removing the capsules from the packaging and placing them in a weekly medication box is not the correct method for administration.

A. Take this medication at bedtime because it causes drowsiness.

Oxymetazoline is not known to cause drowsiness. It is a nasal decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to alleviate congestion.

B. This medication should only be used for asthma.

Oxymetazoline is not a medication specifically used for asthma. It is primarily used as a nasal decongestant for relieving nasal congestion associated with conditions such as allergies and the common cold.

C. Limit the use of this medication to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion

Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant commonly used to relieve nasal congestion due to conditions like seasonal allergies or the common cold. Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline can lead to rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become more congested when the medication is stopped. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of oxymetazoline to a short duration (typically 3 days) to avoid this rebound effect.

D. Stop this medication immediately.

Abruptly stopping oxymetazoline is not recommended, as it may lead to rebound congestion. The nurse should advise the client to follow the recommended duration of use and, if needed, consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.