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.
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.
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