CHAPTER 80 DRUGS FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS, COUGH & COLD | COMPREHENSIVE
PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026/2027
A patient with allergic rhinitis is taking a compound product of loratadine/pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D)
every 12 hours. The patient complains of insomnia. The nurse notes that the patient is restless and
anxious. The patient's heart rate is 90 beats per minute, and the blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg. The
nurse will contact the provider to:
A. discuss using an intranasal glucocorticoid and loratadine (Claritin).
B. report acute toxicity caused by pseudoephedrine.
C. suggest using an agent with a sympathomimetic drug only.
D. suggest using a topical decongestant to minimize systemic symptoms. - ANS ✔✔ANS: A
This patient is showing central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular side effects of the
pseudoephedrine. A better option would be to use single-ingredient products for each symptom; an
intranasal glucocorticoids and an oral antihistamine are considered first-line treatments.
What is ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)?
A. A cholinergic agent used for perennial rhinitis
B. An anticholinergic used for allergic rhinitis and colds
C. A medication that is used only in patients with asthma
D. A drug that is inappropriate for use in patients with allergic rhinitis - ANS ✔✔ANS: B
Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic that is indicated for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and the common
cold. The drug reduces rhinorrhea. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic.
A parent asks a nurse to recommend an intranasal decongestant for a 6-year-old child. Which response
by the nurse is correct?
A. "Decongestants are too sedating for children and should not be used."
B. "Decongestants should not be given to children under 7 years old."
C. "Decongestant drops are recommended instead of decongestant sprays."
D. "Decongestant sprays should be used no longer than 5 to 10 days." - ANS ✔✔ANS: C
Decongestant drops are recommended for children, because the number of drops can be controlled
precisely. When sprays are used, the amount given is not well controlled. Decongestants cause CNS
excitation. Decongestants may be given to children over the age of 4 years. Intranasal decongestants
should not be used for longer than 5 days.
A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the nurse to explain the
purpose of the drug. The nurse will explain that guaifenesin:
A. dries secretions to help suppress coughing so patients can rest.
B. helps stimulate the flow of secretions to increase cough productivity.
C. helps to relieve chest pain associated with a cough.
D. stimulates the body's natural immune responses. - ANS ✔✔ANS: B
A child who has perennial allergic rhinitis has been using an intranasal glucocorticoid. The provider has
ordered montelukast (Singulair) to replace the glucocorticoid, because the child has frequent
nosebleeds. When teaching this child's parents about montelukast, the nurse will include which
statement?
A. "Montelukast is also effective for treating infectious rhinitis."
PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026/2027
A patient with allergic rhinitis is taking a compound product of loratadine/pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D)
every 12 hours. The patient complains of insomnia. The nurse notes that the patient is restless and
anxious. The patient's heart rate is 90 beats per minute, and the blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg. The
nurse will contact the provider to:
A. discuss using an intranasal glucocorticoid and loratadine (Claritin).
B. report acute toxicity caused by pseudoephedrine.
C. suggest using an agent with a sympathomimetic drug only.
D. suggest using a topical decongestant to minimize systemic symptoms. - ANS ✔✔ANS: A
This patient is showing central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular side effects of the
pseudoephedrine. A better option would be to use single-ingredient products for each symptom; an
intranasal glucocorticoids and an oral antihistamine are considered first-line treatments.
What is ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)?
A. A cholinergic agent used for perennial rhinitis
B. An anticholinergic used for allergic rhinitis and colds
C. A medication that is used only in patients with asthma
D. A drug that is inappropriate for use in patients with allergic rhinitis - ANS ✔✔ANS: B
Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic that is indicated for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and the common
cold. The drug reduces rhinorrhea. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic.
A parent asks a nurse to recommend an intranasal decongestant for a 6-year-old child. Which response
by the nurse is correct?
A. "Decongestants are too sedating for children and should not be used."
B. "Decongestants should not be given to children under 7 years old."
C. "Decongestant drops are recommended instead of decongestant sprays."
D. "Decongestant sprays should be used no longer than 5 to 10 days." - ANS ✔✔ANS: C
Decongestant drops are recommended for children, because the number of drops can be controlled
precisely. When sprays are used, the amount given is not well controlled. Decongestants cause CNS
excitation. Decongestants may be given to children over the age of 4 years. Intranasal decongestants
should not be used for longer than 5 days.
A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the nurse to explain the
purpose of the drug. The nurse will explain that guaifenesin:
A. dries secretions to help suppress coughing so patients can rest.
B. helps stimulate the flow of secretions to increase cough productivity.
C. helps to relieve chest pain associated with a cough.
D. stimulates the body's natural immune responses. - ANS ✔✔ANS: B
A child who has perennial allergic rhinitis has been using an intranasal glucocorticoid. The provider has
ordered montelukast (Singulair) to replace the glucocorticoid, because the child has frequent
nosebleeds. When teaching this child's parents about montelukast, the nurse will include which
statement?
A. "Montelukast is also effective for treating infectious rhinitis."
