The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease. Which medication should the client be taught to avoid?

A) Sedation:
Sedation is not an adverse effect commonly associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to relieve congestion and does not typically cause sedation.

B) Constipation:
Constipation is not an adverse effect associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Constipation is more commonly associated with medications that affect the gastrointestinal system, such as opioid analgesics or certain anticholinergic medications.

C) Productive cough:
Productive cough is not an adverse effect commonly associated with oxymetazoline nasal spray. Productive cough refers to a cough that produces mucus or phlegm and is more often associated with respiratory infections or chronic respiratory conditions.

D) Nasal congestion.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a nasal decongestant spray commonly used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis or the common cold. However, if oxymetazoline nasal spray is used for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days, it can lead to rebound congestion, also known as rhinitis medicamentosa. Rebound congestion occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes dependent on the medication for vasoconstriction, and upon discontinuation, nasal congestion worsens. Therefore, prolonged use of oxymetazoline nasal spray can result in a worsening of nasal congestion as an adverse effect.

A) H2-receptor blockers:
H2-receptor blockers, such as ranitidine and famotidine, are used to reduce the production of stomach acid. While they can provide symptomatic relief for ulcers by reducing acid secretion, they do not directly treat the underlying cause of the ulcer, which is the H. pylori infection.

B) Antacids:
Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acid and can provide temporary relief from ulcer symptoms such as pain and discomfort. However, they do not eradicate the H. pylori bacteria or address the root cause of the ulcer. Antacids only provide symptomatic relief rather than treating the infection.

C) Proton-pump inhibitors:
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and pantoprazole, are potent acid-suppressing medications that are commonly used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While they can help in ulcer healing by reducing acid secretion and providing symptomatic relief, they are not effective in eradicating H. pylori infection. PPIs are often used in combination with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication therapy, but they are not the primary treatment on their own.

D) Antibiotics.
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a bacteria that commonly infects the stomach lining and is a major cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for H. pylori infection. The antibiotics kill the bacteria, allowing the ulcer to heal. Common antibiotics used to treat H. pylori include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline.