Final answer:
The telehealth nurse should ask the client "How often are you administering the nasal decongestant?" to determine if overuse is causing rebound congestion. It's essential to assess treatment before suggesting changes or additional remedies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate response from the telehealth nurse when a client using a topical nasal decongestant states, "I feel like my nose is stuffier than ever," would be option b: "How often are you administering the nasal decongestant?" This response is important because overuse of topical decongestants can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal passages become more swollen and blocked than before. Asking about the frequency of use is the first step in determining whether the patient is experiencing this condition, known as rhinitis medicamentosa.
It is important to never advise increasing the frequency without proper medical evaluation, as this can worsen the symptoms or cause additional side effects. Urgent emergency services (like calling 9-1-1) are typically not necessary for nasal congestion unless it is accompanied by other severe symptoms. Suggesting over-the-counter cold remedies may not be appropriate without further assessment and understanding the specific symptoms and medical history of the client. The nurse’s response should be focused on assessing the current treatment to identify the cause of increased congestion and provide guidance accordingly.