UNIT 8 Decongestant CHAPTER 38

Question 1

Action of Nasal Congestions

Answer 1

Nasal congestion
Dilation of nasal blood vessels
◦ Due to infection, inflammation, allergy
Transudation of fluid into tissue spaces
◦ Leads to swelling nasal cavity
◦ Nasal decongestants: Systemic and Nasal decongestants
Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors
◦ Produces nasal vascular vasoconstriction
◦ Shrinks nasal mucous membranes
◦ Reduces nasal secretion
◦ Rebound nasal congestion can occur with overuse
◦ Uses
◦ Nasal congestion
Nasal Decongestants

Question 2

What drug class is Oxymetazoline
HCL & Pseudoephredrine

A. NSAID
B. Decongestion
C. Tricyclic
D. Antitussive

Answer 2

B. Decongestion

Question 3

Action of What drug class is Oxymetazoline
HCL & Pseudoephredrine?

Answer 3

Side effects/Adverse reactions
 Nervous, jittery, restless

*Adverse Effect
 Hypertension
 Hyperglycemia
 Tachycardia

◦ Frequent use
 May lead to tolerance
 May lead to rebound nasal congestion
 Should not use more than 3 day
DO NOT USE FOR NO MORE THAN 3 DAYS

Question 4

Contraindications for Oxymetazoline
HCL & Pseudoephredrine?

Answer 4

 Contraindications/caution
 Hypertension
 Cardiac issues
 Diabetes

 Interactions
 Caffeine
 Antihypertensive medications
 Antidysrhythmic medications

Question 5

When teaching a patient about use of nasal
decongestant sprays, the nurse informs the
patient that they are most effective when
administered for how many days?
A. 3 days
B. 10 days
C. 14 days
D. 20 days

Answer 5

A. 3 days

Answer: A
◦ Rationale: Use of nasal decongestants for longer than 3 days could
result in rebound nasal congestion. Instead of the nasal membranes
constricting, vasodilation occurs, causing increased stuffy nose and
nasal congestion. The nurse should emphasize the importance of limiting
the use of nasal sprays and drops

Question 6

3. A patient is prescribed a decongestant nasal spray that contains oxymetazoline. What will the nurse teach the patient?
   a. Take this drug at bedtime because it may cause drowsiness.
   b. Directly spray the medication away from the nasal septum and gently sniff
   . c. This drug may be used in maintenance treatment for asthma.
   d. Limit use of the drug to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion.

Answer 6

d. Limit use of the drug to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion.