Question

The nurse is collecting the health history of a client who reports taking over-the-counter pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion. Which statement by the client would require follow-up by the nurse?

"I take this medication at night before I go to bed."

"I have to use a normal saline nasal spray since I started this medication."

"I avoid drinking beverages with caffeine while taking the medication."

"I chew gum when I take this medication to help with my dry mouth."

Answer 1

The client's statement about taking pseudoephedrine at night requires follow-up due to its potential to cause sleep disturbances. Employing saline nasal spray and chewing gum to manage side effects is responsible, as is avoiding caffeine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant with stimulant effects that can lead to sleep disturbances. One of the client statements that would trigger follow-up by the nurse is "I take this medication at night before I go to bed." This is concerning as pseudoephedrine's stimulant effects could cause difficulty in sleeping, and taking it at night might exacerbate these issues. The nurse would likely address this and suggest taking it earlier in the day.

Clients using pseudoephedrine may experience dryness, so employing a saline nasal spray and chewing gum for dry mouth are appropriate strategies to mitigate side effects without causing concern. Avoiding caffeine while on a stimulant such as pseudoephedrine is also a good practice to prevent additional stimulation which could lead to increased heart rate or blood pressure.