Oral Decongestants

Question 1

Oral Decongestants

Drug Name

Answer 1

Pseudoephedrine

Question 2

Oral Decongestants

Actions

Answer 2

Shrink the nasal mucous membrane by stimulating the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucous membranes

Question 3

Oral Decongestants

Indications

Answer 3

Promotion of drainage in the sinuses and improving air flow

Question 4

Oral Decongestants

Contraindications

Answer 4

• Any condition that might be exacerbated by sympathetic activity: glaucoma, HTN, DM, prostate issues
• Pregnancy and lactation

Question 5

Oral Decongestants

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

Rebound congestion

Sympathetic effects

Question 6

Oral Decongestants

Drug-drug interactions

Answer 6

OTC products that contain pseudoephedrine

Question 7

Oral Decongestants

Nursing Process: Assessment

Answer 7

History:

• any contraindications or cautions
• allergy

Physical Exam:

• Baseline
• Vital signs, cardiac auscultation for sympathomimetic effects
• Lung sounds for drug effectiveness and potential excess effect
• Urinary status for urinary retention
• Nasal mucus membranes for drug effectiveness and potential excess effect
• Orientation and reflexes (CNS effects)

Question 8

Oral Decongestants

Nursing Process: Diagnoses

Answer 8

Acute pain r/t local effects of drug and adverse effects

Increased cardiac output r/t effects of the drug

Disturbed sensory perception r/t adverse effect

Deficient knowledge r/t drug regimen

Question 9

Oral Decongestants

Nursing Process: Implementation

Answer 9

Do not taken longer than one week

Further medical evaluation for persistent symptoms

Monitor VS to detect adverse effects

Overdose prevention

Safety measures if CNS effects occur

Question 10

Oral Decongestants

Nursing Process: Evaluation

Answer 10

Patient response: symptom relief

Patient response: adverse effects: especially cardiac effects/stimulation

Effectiveness of teaching plan

Compliance