The patient who has nasal congestion asks the nurse to recommend a decongestant medication. The nurse performs a medication history and learns that the patient takes a beta blocker to treat hypertension. Which of the over-the-counter products below would be most appropriate to recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients taking beta blockers for hypertension should avoid using decongestants that can cause vasoconstriction, which could further increase blood pressure. Phenylephrine nasal spray is a good option as it works locally in the nasal passages and has minimal systemic effects on blood pressure. Diphenhydramine and Loratadine are antihistamines, while Ephedrine HCl is a systemic decongestant that can increase blood pressure and heart rate.

The Patient Who Has Nasal Congestion Asks the Nurse to Recommend