A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed aspirin for the management of their chronic pain. The patient asks the nurse about potential side effects and precautions related to taking aspirin. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct regarding the use of aspirin?

Choice A reason: Moon face, a hallmark of long-term prednisone use, results from fat redistribution due to corticosteroid-induced metabolic changes. Prednisone promotes lipogenesis in facial and neck areas, causing a rounded, puffy appearance. This Cushingoid feature is a common, visible side effect of prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Choice B reason: Weight loss is not typical with long-term prednisone therapy. Prednisone increases appetite and promotes fat deposition, leading to weight gain, not loss. Catabolic effects on muscle may occur, but overall weight gain, including fluid retention, is more characteristic, making this incorrect.

Choice C reason: Pale skin color is not a common effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids can cause skin thinning or bruising due to reduced collagen synthesis, but pallor is not typical. Hyperpigmentation may occur in some cases, but moon face is the primary appearance-related side effect of long-term use.

Choice D reason: Hair loss is not a primary side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids may cause hirsutism or thinning skin, but hair loss is more associated with chemotherapy or other drugs. Prednisone’s metabolic effects lead to fat redistribution, like moon face, rather than alopecia, making this incorrect.

Choice A reason: Drinking extra fluids is advisable with antihistamines, as they can cause dry mouth and mucous membrane dryness due to anticholinergic effects. Increased fluid intake helps alleviate these symptoms, maintains hydration, and supports mucosal function, reducing discomfort while the drug blocks histamine receptors to relieve allergic symptoms.

Choice B reason: Antihistamines, especially first-generation ones like diphenhydramine, typically cause sedation rather than restlessness or disturbed sleep. They block histamine H1 receptors in the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness. Restlessness is more associated with paradoxical reactions in some patients, but sedation is the predominant effect, making this statement incorrect.

Choice C reason: Avoiding activities requiring alertness is critical with first-generation antihistamines, which cross the blood-brain barrier and cause sedation by blocking central histamine receptors. This impairs cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents. Patients must assess their response to the drug before engaging in tasks like driving or operating machinery.

Choice D reason: Taking antihistamines on an empty stomach is not necessary, as their absorption is not significantly affected by food. Most antihistamines, like loratadine or diphenhydramine, are well-absorbed regardless of meal timing. This instruction is irrelevant, as the drug’s efficacy depends on receptor binding, not gastrointestinal conditions.

Choice E reason: The onset of action for most antihistamines varies. First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine may act within 30 minutes, but second-generation ones like loratadine may take longer (1-3 hours). This statement is not universally accurate, as onset depends on the specific drug, making it unreliable for patient education.

Choice F reason: Antihistamines are not always safe with other over-the-counter medications. They can interact with sedatives, alcohol, or drugs with anticholinergic effects, increasing sedation or toxicity. For example, combining diphenhydramine with other CNS depressants can exacerbate drowsiness, making this statement misleading and potentially dangerous for patients.