Question 57

Sudafed may increase the patient's blood pressure.

Counseling the patient is crucial because Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant that can raise blood pressure, which is particularly important for patients on amlodipine, a medication used to manage hypertension.

A) worsen the patient's allergies.

This option is incorrect because Sudafed is used to relieve nasal congestion and does not worsen allergies. In fact, it often helps alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions by reducing congestion.

B) raise the patient's cholesterol.

This option is incorrect as Sudafed does not have any known effects on cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin is the medication that specifically targets cholesterol levels, and Sudafed does not interact with it in this way.

C) present a therapeutic duplication.

This option is incorrect because there is no therapeutic duplication with the medications listed. Amlodipine, atorvastatin, and levocetirizine serve different therapeutic purposes and do not overlap with the action of Sudafed.

D) increase the patient's blood pressure.

This option is correct as Sudafed can lead to increased blood pressure, which poses a risk to patients already managing hypertension with amlodipine. This interaction necessitates careful monitoring and counseling by the pharmacist.

Conclusion

Sudafed's potential to increase blood pressure is a significant concern for patients taking amlodipine, making it essential for pharmacists to provide appropriate counseling. The other options either misunderstand the pharmacological actions of Sudafed or misrepresent the interactions with the other medications, thus failing to address the critical issue of blood pressure management in this patient.