Public Health>Otc Selection Practice Test

Mr. R is a 62-year-old man with 2 weeks of sneezing, clear rhinorrhea, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion worse in the mornings and when outdoors. He denies fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, or sinus pain. Past medical history: hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia with nocturia. Medications: lisinopril 20 mg daily and tamsulosin 0.4 mg nightly. He does not smoke and drinks alcohol socially. No known drug allergies. He asks for a once-daily over-the-counter product to control his allergy symptoms throughout the day without making his urination worse. He has tried saline rinses with limited relief. Blood pressure today is 132/78 in the pharmacy kiosk. He prefers something he can use through the season and is worried about "rebound" if he uses a nasal decongestant for too long.

A 29-year-old woman asks for help choosing an OTC product for episodic heartburn that occurs 1–2 times per week after spicy or late meals. She wants something that works quickly when symptoms occur; she does not want to take a daily medicine. She denies dysphagia, weight loss, melena, chronic NSAID use, or pregnancy. PMH: none. Allergies: aspirin (hives). Medications: combined oral contraceptive. She drinks one coffee daily and occasional wine. She has tried smaller meals and avoiding late-night snacks with partial benefit. Vitals are normal, and she has no kidney disease or peptic ulcer history.