A nurse is caring for a client who has poison ivy and is prescribed diphenhydramine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give regarding the adverse effect of dry mouth associated with diphenhydramine?
"Administer the medication with food."
"Discontinue the medication and notify your provider.”
"Place a humidifier at your bedside every evening.”
“Chew on sugarless gum or suck on hard, sour candies."
The Correct Answer is D
Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine medication commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including itching and rash. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on hard, sour candies can help stimulate saliva production and alleviate the discomfort of dry mouth.
A. "Administer the medication with food": While taking diphenhydramine with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset, it does not directly address the dry mouth side effect.
B. "Discontinue the medication and notify your provider": Discontinuing the medication without consulting the healthcare provider is not recommended unless specifically instructed to do so. Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine and can be managed with supportive measures.
C. "Place a humidifier at your bedside every evening": While using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and potentially alleviate dryness in the environment, it is not a specific instruction for managing dry mouth caused by diphenhydramine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse will tell the patient that second-generation antihistamines are generally considered safer than first-generation antihistamines during pregnancy. While the safety of medications during pregnancy is a complex topic and individualized recommendations should be obtained from a healthcare provider, second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are often preferred over first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) due to their lower potential for sedation and other side effects. However, it is still important for the patient to consult with her healthcare provider for personalized advice on medication use during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Status asthmaticus is a severe and potentially life-threatening asthma exacerbation that does not respond well to usual treatment measures. The primary goal in managing status asthmaticus is to relieve the bronchospasm and improve airflow. Short-acting 62-agonists, such as albuterol, are bronchodilators that work quickly to relax the smooth muscles of the airways, providing immediate relief of bronchospasm.
While determining the cause of the acute exacerbation and obtaining a peak flow reading are important aspects of asthma management, in the case of status asthmaticus, the immediate priority is to administer a bronchodilator to alleviate the severe symptoms and improve the child's breathing. Once the acute symptoms are addressed, further assessment and interventions can be carried out to identify the cause and monitor the child's condition.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today