The nurse is caring for a client with asthma. The client asks the nurse what structures make up the upper respiratory tract. Which response by the num the most appropriate?

A) Inspiration:
Inspiration refers to the process of inhaling or breathing in air into the lungs. It involves the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of the chest cavity, leading to the intake of air into the lungs.

B) Expiration:
Expiration, also known as exhalation, refers to the process of exhaling or breathing out air from the lungs. It involves the relaxation of the diaphragm and chest muscles, leading to the expulsion of air from the lungs.

C) Respiration:
Respiration is a broader term that encompasses both ventilation (the mechanical process of breathing) and gas exchange (the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood). While respiration involves both air movement and gas exchange, it does not specifically refer to blood flow through the lung, which is described by the term perfusion.

D) Perfusion.
Perfusion refers to the circulation of blood through the lung's blood vessels, including the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary capillaries. This process allows for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and the air in the lungs during respiration. Perfusion is essential for oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide, which is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function throughout the body.

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.