NURS 1100 Test 1 Questions with Correct
Answers
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Traditional Antihistamines
MOA: H1 receptor antagonist → blocks histamine → reduces allergic symptoms.
Indications: Allergic rhinitis, Urticaria, Anaphylaxis (adjunct), Insomnia, Motion sickness,
Common cold (symptomatic relief)
Contraindications: Newborns, nursing mothers, Hypersensitivity, Narrow-angle glaucoma
Cautions:Elderly (↑ risk of confusion, falls), Asthma, COPD, BPH, urinary retention
Drug Interactions:Alcohol, CNS depressants → additive sedation, Other anticholinergics
Adverse Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, Dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation,
Confusion (especially elderly)
Route: Oral, IM, IV, topical
Loratadine (Claritin) Nonsedating Antihistamines
MOA: Selective H1 receptor antagonist, minimal CNS penetration → less sedation.
Indications: Seasonal allergies, Allergic rhinitis, Chronic urticaria
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Cautions: Liver impairment, Renal impairment
Drug Interactions: Few significant, but caution with ketoconazole, erythromycin → may ↑
loratadine levels.
Adverse Effects: Headache, Fatigue (rare, less than diphenhydramine), Dry mouth (mild)
Route: Oral
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Decongestants (Nasal)
, MOA: Alpha-adrenergic agonist → vasoconstriction → ↓ nasal congestion.
Indications: Temporary relief of nasal congestion (cold, allergies, sinusitis).
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, post-nasal surgery.
Cautions: HTN, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, BPH.
Drug Interactions: MAOIs, other sympathomimetics, beta-blockers.
Adverse Effects: Nasal irritation, rebound congestion (>3 days use), hypertension.
Route: Intranasal spray/drops
Fluticasone (Flonase) Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
Intranasal Steroids
MOA: Corticosteroid → decreases inflammation in nasal mucosa.
Indications: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal & perennial)
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Untreated nasal infection
Cautions: Long-term use → risk of nasal irritation, bleeding, possible systemic effects (rare).
Drug Interactions: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may ↑ steroid levels.
Adverse Effects: Nasal irritation/dryness, Epistaxis, Headache
Route: Intranasal spray
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Antitussives (Nonopioid)
Ben:
MOA: Anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages, lungs → suppresses cough
reflex.
Indications: Cough (nonproductive).
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
Cautions: Children <10 (risk of accidental overdose, fatal).
Answers
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Traditional Antihistamines
MOA: H1 receptor antagonist → blocks histamine → reduces allergic symptoms.
Indications: Allergic rhinitis, Urticaria, Anaphylaxis (adjunct), Insomnia, Motion sickness,
Common cold (symptomatic relief)
Contraindications: Newborns, nursing mothers, Hypersensitivity, Narrow-angle glaucoma
Cautions:Elderly (↑ risk of confusion, falls), Asthma, COPD, BPH, urinary retention
Drug Interactions:Alcohol, CNS depressants → additive sedation, Other anticholinergics
Adverse Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, Dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation,
Confusion (especially elderly)
Route: Oral, IM, IV, topical
Loratadine (Claritin) Nonsedating Antihistamines
MOA: Selective H1 receptor antagonist, minimal CNS penetration → less sedation.
Indications: Seasonal allergies, Allergic rhinitis, Chronic urticaria
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Cautions: Liver impairment, Renal impairment
Drug Interactions: Few significant, but caution with ketoconazole, erythromycin → may ↑
loratadine levels.
Adverse Effects: Headache, Fatigue (rare, less than diphenhydramine), Dry mouth (mild)
Route: Oral
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Decongestants (Nasal)
, MOA: Alpha-adrenergic agonist → vasoconstriction → ↓ nasal congestion.
Indications: Temporary relief of nasal congestion (cold, allergies, sinusitis).
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, post-nasal surgery.
Cautions: HTN, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, BPH.
Drug Interactions: MAOIs, other sympathomimetics, beta-blockers.
Adverse Effects: Nasal irritation, rebound congestion (>3 days use), hypertension.
Route: Intranasal spray/drops
Fluticasone (Flonase) Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
Intranasal Steroids
MOA: Corticosteroid → decreases inflammation in nasal mucosa.
Indications: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal & perennial)
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Untreated nasal infection
Cautions: Long-term use → risk of nasal irritation, bleeding, possible systemic effects (rare).
Drug Interactions: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may ↑ steroid levels.
Adverse Effects: Nasal irritation/dryness, Epistaxis, Headache
Route: Intranasal spray
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Antitussives (Nonopioid)
Ben:
MOA: Anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages, lungs → suppresses cough
reflex.
Indications: Cough (nonproductive).
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
Cautions: Children <10 (risk of accidental overdose, fatal).
