The Nurse Receives a Call from a Patient Who Recently

Multiple Choice

The nurse receives a call from a patient who recently began taking Zyrtec (cetirizine) 5 mg daily. The patient reports that her mouth frequently feels dry. Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?

A) "Dry mouth is a common side effect of Zyrtec. Rinse your mouth frequently, and try using sugarless chewing gum or candy for relief."
B) "You may be taking too strong of a dose. You should take half a pill each day to reduce the risk of side effects."
C) "You might be having an allergic reaction to the medication. Are you able to come to the doctor's office today?"
D) "It is important that you take the medication with a full meal and drink at least 12 glasses of water each day."