CH 36
Questions
1. 1.ID: 10068754274
What body system will the nurse assess for known common adverse effects of traditional
antihistamines?
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Central nervous Correct
Gastrointestinal
The most common adverse effect of antihistamines is drowsiness, but the sedative effects vary among
antihistamine drug classes.
2. 2.ID: 10068754272
What advantage does loratadine (Claritin) have compared with traditional antihistamines such as
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
Less sedative effect Correct
Increase in bronchodilation
Minimal gastrointestinal upset
Decreased risk of cardiac dysrhythmias
Loratadine is a nonsedating antihistamine and it does not readily distribute into the central nervous
system, which diminishes the sedative effects associated with traditional antihistamines.
,3. 3.ID: 10068754266
A patient complains of worsening nasal congestion despite the use of oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal
spray every 2 to 4 hours for the past 5 days. The nurse’s response is based on knowledge that:
oxymetazoline is not an effective nasal decongestant.
sustained use of nasal decongestants over several days may result in rebound congestion.
Correct
oxymetazoline should be administered in an hourly regimen for severe congestion.
the patient is probably displaying an idiosyncratic reaction to oxymetazoline.
Oxymetazoline is an effective nasal decongestant, but overuse results in worsening or “rebound”
congestion. It should not be used more than every 4 hours.
4. 4.ID: 10068754260
Which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding about beclomethasone diproprionate
(Beconase) mechanism of action?
“I only need to take this medication when my symptoms get bad.”
“I will need to taper off the medication to prevent acute adrenal crisis.”
“This medication will help prevent the inflammatory response of my allergies.” Correct
“I will monitor my blood sugar because I may develop drug-induced diabetes.”
Beclomethasone diproprionate is a steroid spray administered nasally. It is used to prevent and treat
allergy symptoms. Its effect is localized, and therefore the client does not have systemic adverse
effects with the recommended dose. There is no need to taper off gradually as with oral
corticosteroids.
5. 5.ID: 10068754256
, The nurse is discussing use of antitussive medications with a client. What common adverse effect does
the nurse include in the client teaching?
Tremors and palpitations
Drowsiness and dizziness Correct
Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
Flushing and decreased heart rate
Antitussive medications suppress cough through its action on the central nervous system, thus causing
drowsiness and dizziness.
6. 6.ID: 10068754264
Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client who is prescribed an expectorant?
Take the medication once a day at bedtime.
Restrict fluids to decrease mucus production.
Increase fluid intake to decrease viscosity of secretions. Correct
Take a drug with oral codeine when cough worsens.
Expectorant drugs are used to decrease viscosity of secretions and allow them to be more easily
expectorated. Increasing fluid intake helps this action.
7. 7.ID: 10068754268
The nurse would question a prescription for pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) in a client with a history of
which condition?
Pneumonia
, Osteoporosis
Hypertension Correct
Peptic ulcer disease
Adrenergic drugs are contraindicated in clients with hypertension, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes,
uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, prostatitis, or a known hypersensitivity to such
drugs.
8. 8.ID: 10068754258
When providing general education on use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for allergies, which
instruction should the nurse to include?
Discontinue use 4 days before allergy testing.
It may cause dry mouth and difficulty urinating.
The medication treats the signs and symptoms but is not a cure.
Do not use in children younger than 2 years of age unless prescribed. Correct
OTC medications for allergies are not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age unless
prescribed by a health care provider.
9. 9.ID: 10068754254
A client is making an appointment for allergy testing. The nurse instructs the client not take what class
of medications at least 4 days before allergy testing?
Antitussives
Antihistamines Correct
Questions
1. 1.ID: 10068754274
What body system will the nurse assess for known common adverse effects of traditional
antihistamines?
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Central nervous Correct
Gastrointestinal
The most common adverse effect of antihistamines is drowsiness, but the sedative effects vary among
antihistamine drug classes.
2. 2.ID: 10068754272
What advantage does loratadine (Claritin) have compared with traditional antihistamines such as
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
Less sedative effect Correct
Increase in bronchodilation
Minimal gastrointestinal upset
Decreased risk of cardiac dysrhythmias
Loratadine is a nonsedating antihistamine and it does not readily distribute into the central nervous
system, which diminishes the sedative effects associated with traditional antihistamines.
,3. 3.ID: 10068754266
A patient complains of worsening nasal congestion despite the use of oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal
spray every 2 to 4 hours for the past 5 days. The nurse’s response is based on knowledge that:
oxymetazoline is not an effective nasal decongestant.
sustained use of nasal decongestants over several days may result in rebound congestion.
Correct
oxymetazoline should be administered in an hourly regimen for severe congestion.
the patient is probably displaying an idiosyncratic reaction to oxymetazoline.
Oxymetazoline is an effective nasal decongestant, but overuse results in worsening or “rebound”
congestion. It should not be used more than every 4 hours.
4. 4.ID: 10068754260
Which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding about beclomethasone diproprionate
(Beconase) mechanism of action?
“I only need to take this medication when my symptoms get bad.”
“I will need to taper off the medication to prevent acute adrenal crisis.”
“This medication will help prevent the inflammatory response of my allergies.” Correct
“I will monitor my blood sugar because I may develop drug-induced diabetes.”
Beclomethasone diproprionate is a steroid spray administered nasally. It is used to prevent and treat
allergy symptoms. Its effect is localized, and therefore the client does not have systemic adverse
effects with the recommended dose. There is no need to taper off gradually as with oral
corticosteroids.
5. 5.ID: 10068754256
, The nurse is discussing use of antitussive medications with a client. What common adverse effect does
the nurse include in the client teaching?
Tremors and palpitations
Drowsiness and dizziness Correct
Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
Flushing and decreased heart rate
Antitussive medications suppress cough through its action on the central nervous system, thus causing
drowsiness and dizziness.
6. 6.ID: 10068754264
Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client who is prescribed an expectorant?
Take the medication once a day at bedtime.
Restrict fluids to decrease mucus production.
Increase fluid intake to decrease viscosity of secretions. Correct
Take a drug with oral codeine when cough worsens.
Expectorant drugs are used to decrease viscosity of secretions and allow them to be more easily
expectorated. Increasing fluid intake helps this action.
7. 7.ID: 10068754268
The nurse would question a prescription for pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) in a client with a history of
which condition?
Pneumonia
, Osteoporosis
Hypertension Correct
Peptic ulcer disease
Adrenergic drugs are contraindicated in clients with hypertension, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes,
uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, prostatitis, or a known hypersensitivity to such
drugs.
8. 8.ID: 10068754258
When providing general education on use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for allergies, which
instruction should the nurse to include?
Discontinue use 4 days before allergy testing.
It may cause dry mouth and difficulty urinating.
The medication treats the signs and symptoms but is not a cure.
Do not use in children younger than 2 years of age unless prescribed. Correct
OTC medications for allergies are not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age unless
prescribed by a health care provider.
9. 9.ID: 10068754254
A client is making an appointment for allergy testing. The nurse instructs the client not take what class
of medications at least 4 days before allergy testing?
Antitussives
Antihistamines Correct
