A client is prescribed the decongestant oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray. What should the nurse teach the client?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Examining the list of statements about teaching a client to use oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray, several points require careful consideration.
Option 1: 'This drug may be used in maintenance treatment for asthma.' This is inaccurate. Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant used to relieve nasal congestion, not a maintenance therapy for asthma, and it does not address underlying airway hyperreactivity. It is inappropriate to suggest it for asthma maintenance.
Option 2: 'Directly spray away from the nasal septum and gently sniff.' This describes a reasonable technique: aiming the spray toward the lateral nasal wall away from the septum can help minimize septal irritation or damage. The word 'gently sniff' can also align with minimizing irritation. However, while this describes a correct administration technique, it does not convey the most critical safety concern associated with oxymetazoline, which is the potential for rebound congestion with prolonged use. Therefore, as a sole teaching point it is helpful but not the most priorities-focused safety instruction.
Option 3: 'Limit the drug to 5 days of use to prevent rebound nasal congestion.' This directly addresses a well-known and critical safety guideline for intranasal decongestants: using for more than about 3–5 days can lead to rebound congestion and diminished effectiveness. It captures the key safety management concept that is essential for patient education and is the best single instruction for preventing a common adverse outcome.
Option 4: 'Take this drug at bedtime as a sleep aid.' This is incorrect and harmful framing. Oxymetazoline is not a sleep aid and using a decongestant at night to aid sleep is inappropriate; it could mask symptoms or lead to misuse and side effects such as tachycardia or insomnia in sensitive individuals.
In summary, while option 2 offers a valid technique of administration, option 3 provides the most important and specific safety guidance to prevent rebound congestion, making it the best teaching point among the choices. Options 1 and 4 are clearly inaccurate regarding indications and use.

A client is prescribed the decongestant oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray. What should the nurse teach the client?

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