A nurse at a provider's office is collecting data from a client who reports taking pseudoephedrine for sinus problems. The nurse should recognize that which of the following conditions from the client's history places the client at risk for harm while taking pseudoephedrine?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hypertension: Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic nasal decongestant that can raise blood pressure and heart rate; patients with hypertension are at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects and should avoid or use with caution under provider guidance. B. Overweight: Being overweight is a general health risk factor but is not a direct contraindication to pseudoephedrine; it does not specifically increase acute drug-related cardiovascular effects in the same way hypertension does. C. Eczema: Eczema is a dermatologic condition and does not place the client at particular risk from systemic sympathomimetic effects of pseudoephedrine. D. Migraine headaches: Migraine history does not universally contraindicate pseudoephedrine; however, in some patients pseudoephedrine may trigger headaches, but this is less immediately hazardous than use in uncontrolled hypertension.