The nurse knows that montelukast (Singulair) is given for what purpose?

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.

A. Evaluate gastrointestinal function:

While gastrointestinal function is important to assess for side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, monitoring for potential infection (fever) takes precedence in the context of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

B. Assess for evidence of cardiac compromise:

Myelosuppression primarily affects the hematopoietic system, and assessing for cardiac compromise is not the priority in this situation.

C. Question about changes in taste or smell:

Changes in taste or smell are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not as critical as monitoring for signs of infection, especially fever.

D. Monitor for temperature changes:

Myelosuppression refers to the suppression of the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, including white blood cells. Neutropenia, a common side effect of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, increases the risk of infection. Fever may be the only early sign of infection in immunocompromised patients, and it can progress rapidly. Therefore, monitoring for temperature changes is crucial to identify and address potential infections promptly.