Final answer:
A nurse is expected to instruct a patient on the proper technique for applying a nasal spray, discuss potential side effects, and warn against overuse due to rebound congestion. The nurse might also recommend increasing fluid intake and using a humidifier to alleviate cold symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient has been advised to add a nasal spray (an adrenergic decongestant) to treat a cold. The nurse will likely provide several key instructions for the correct use of these medications. First, the nurse will advise the patient on how to properly apply the nasal spray which typically includes a specific technique to ensure the medication is delivered effectively into the nasal passages. Nasal decongestants like phenylephrine, an α1-adrenergic agonist, work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to reduce swelling and congestion.
The nurse may also counsel the patient on potential side effects and caution them to limit the use of the nasal spray as overuse can lead to rebound congestion, where symptoms can become worse. Additionally the nurse might recommend supportive care strategies, such as increasing fluid intake and using a humidifier, to help alleviate overall cold symptoms.