A client taking an MAO inhibitor for hypertension asks the nurse for medication to relieve nasal congestion.The nurse should know that phenylephrine will be a poor choice for this client because it might cause which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic drug that can increase blood pressure, which is already a concern in a client taking an MAO inhibitor for hypertension. The best choice would be a non-vasoconstrictive nasal decongestant, such as saline nasal spray or a topical steroid nasal spray, which would not interact with the MAO inhibitor or raise blood pressure.

A Client Taking an MAO Inhibitor for Hypertension Asks the Nurse