Author Question: A patient is admitted to the hospital after developing pneumonia. During the admission assessment, ... (Read 119 times)

anshika · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is admitted to the hospital after developing pneumonia. During the admission assessment, the patient reports having used a nasal decongestant spray for the past few weeks but thinks the nasal congestion is getting worse. The nurse will

a. request an order for a systemic decongestant medication.
b. request an order so the patient can continue to use the decongestant spray.
c. tell the patient the congestion will clear up after stopping the spray.
d. tell the patient to increase oral fluid intake.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who is hospitalized for an asthma exacerbation. The patient reports taking diphenhydramine at home at night to help with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and cough.

The nurse will contact the patient's provider to request an order for which medication?
a. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
b. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
c. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (Benylin DM)
d. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

chevyboi1976 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Use of nasal decongestants longer than 3 days can cause rebound congestion. This will clear up when the decongestant spray is discontinued for several days or weeks. A systemic decongestant is not indicated. Continuing the spray will increase the congestion. Increasing fluid intake is not recommended.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Cetirizine is an antihistamine, which is indicated for this patient's symptoms. Diphenhydramine is also an antihistamine but, because of its anticholinergic side effects, is contraindicated in patients with asthma. Benzonatate and dextromethorphan are anti-tussives and not antihistamines.