A client with allergic rhinitis is taking the over-the-counter antihistamine diphenhydramine HCL. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide this client?
Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours.
Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset.
Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness.
Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours:
Diphenhydramine is typically dosed every 4 to 6 hours, not just once every 8 hours. However, this instruction is less critical compared to addressing the safety concerns related to drowsiness.
B. Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset:
Diphenhydramine is generally not known to cause significant gastric upset, so this instruction is less critical. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effects rather than gastrointestinal issues.
C. Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness:
Diphenhydramine is known to cause significant drowsiness and sedation. Advising the client to avoid driving is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure their safety, making this the most important instruction.
D. Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth:
While diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, using sugarless candy or gum is a helpful but secondary instruction. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effect, which affects the client's ability to drive safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods:
While iron-rich foods are important for managing anemia, this finding does not directly indicate the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. The primary measure of epoetin alfa's effectiveness is an improvement in hemoglobin levels, not dietary changes.
B. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue:
Increased energy and decreased fatigue are positive effects and may suggest that the medication is helping. However, these symptoms are subjective and not as definitive as a measurable increase in hemoglobin levels.
C. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects:
Iron therapy is often used alongside epoetin alfa to enhance its effectiveness, but the absence of adverse effects from iron therapy does not alone confirm the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. The key indicator is the improvement in hemoglobin levels.
D. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L):
An increase in hemoglobin level to 12 g/dL is a direct measure of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. This increase demonstrates that the medication is successfully stimulating red blood cell production, which is the intended therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Many of the herbal preparations are helpful primarily because of their placebo effect:
While placebo effects can play a role, many herbal preparations, including echinacea, have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits beyond placebo effects. This statement oversimplifies and may dismiss valid efficacy.
B. This product is essentially harmless but also is not very beneficial in treating skin infections:
Echinacea is generally considered safe for topical use and has been used for various infections, including canker sores. This statement underestimates the potential benefits of echinacea in treating certain conditions.
C. Topical echinacea is usually used to soothe burns and can cause damage to the skin:
Topical echinacea is commonly used for various skin conditions, but it is not typically associated with causing skin damage. The statement may create unnecessary concern.
D. Echinacea seems to be useful in the treatment of some infections, such as canker sores:
Echinacea has been used traditionally and in some studies for its antimicrobial properties, which may be beneficial for certain infections, including canker sores. This statement acknowledges its potential utility without dismissing its benefits.
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