Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Practice
During a checkup, a 22-year-old woman tells the nurse that she uses an over-the-counter nasal spray for her allergies. She also reports that it does not work as well as it used to. The best response by the nurse would be:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D because over-the-counter nasal sprays, especially those containing decongestants, can lead to rebound swelling when used for an extended period. Rebound swelling occurs when the nasal passages become more congested after the effects of the medication wear off. This can result in a cycle of dependency on the nasal spray to alleviate symptoms, leading to worsening congestion over time. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about this potential risk and suggest alternative treatment options to address her allergies effectively without causing rebound swelling.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because:
A: Incorrect, as not all over-the-counter nasal sprays carry a risk of addiction.
B: Incorrect, as switching to another brand may not address the underlying issue of rebound swelling.
C: Incorrect, as continuous use of the nasal spray without addressing rebound swelling can exacerbate the problem.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because:
A: Incorrect, as not all over-the-counter nasal sprays carry a risk of addiction.
B: Incorrect, as switching to another brand may not address the underlying issue of rebound swelling.
C: Incorrect, as continuous use of the nasal spray without addressing rebound swelling can exacerbate the problem.