Why should clients with hypertension avoid decongestants?

• A. They contain a vasoconstrictor and exacerbate hypertension
• B. They cause sedation and drowsiness
• C. They have no cardiovascular effects
• D. They lower blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Decongestants act by constricting nasal blood vessels through alpha-adrenergic stimulation. This systemic vasoconstriction can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, which worsens blood pressure control in clients with hypertension and raises the risk of cardiovascular events. So, they should be avoided or used cautiously in hypertensive patients, with safer alternatives considered (like saline nasal spray, humidification, or nasal corticosteroids) and only after consulting a clinician.