Question 62

Sudafed may increase the patient's blood pressure.

Patients on amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, should be cautious when considering taking Sudafed, as it can lead to an increase in blood pressure due to its decongestant properties.

A) Worsen the patients allergies

This option is incorrect because Sudafed is not known to worsen allergies. In fact, it is often used to relieve nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis, thus providing symptomatic relief rather than exacerbating allergic conditions.

B) Raise the patients cholesterol

This option is incorrect as Sudafed does not have any direct effect on cholesterol levels. The primary action of Sudafed is as a decongestant, and it does not influence lipid metabolism or cholesterol levels.

C) Present a therapeutic duplication

This option is incorrect since there is no therapeutic duplication involved with Sudafed and the medications the patient is currently taking. A therapeutic duplication occurs when two medications have similar effects, but Sudafed serves a different purpose as a decongestant.

D) Increase the patients blood pressure

This option is correct because Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, which can cause vasoconstriction and lead to elevated blood pressure. This is particularly concerning for patients who are already on antihypertensive medications like amlodipine, as it could counteract their treatment effectiveness.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D, as Sudafed can indeed increase the patient's blood pressure, creating potential complications for someone already being treated for hypertension with amlodipine. Options A, B, and C do not accurately reflect the risks associated with Sudafed, making them unsuitable choices in this context. Understanding the interactions and effects of medications is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.