A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for dimenhydrinate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Administer 24 hr before effects are desired.
Expect an increase in salivation.
Monitor for dizziness.
Observe for diarrhea
The Correct Answer is C
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine commonly used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. One of the common side effects of dimenhydrinate is dizziness. It can cause sedation and impair cognitive and motor functions. Therefore, the client should be advised to be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Monitoring for dizziness and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure the client's safety.
The other options provided in the original response are incorrect:
- Administer 24 hr before effects are desired: This is not a correct instruction for dimenhydrinate. The medication is typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before the desired effects, such as before travel to prevent motion sickness.
- Expect an increase in salivation: Dimenhydrinate does not typically cause an increase in salivation. This is not a known side effect of the medication.
- Observe for diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of dimenhydrinate. While gastrointestinal disturbances can occur with some antihistamines, it is not typically associated with dimenhydrinate use.
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 B
Explanation
Codeine is an opioid medication that can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Changing positions quickly, especially from lying down to standing up, can increase the risk of falls or accidents.
Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) and reduces the risk of falls.
The other options listed are not appropriate instructions for a client taking codeine:
A. "You should expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication." While constipation is a common side effect of opioids, diarrhea is not typically associated with codeine use. Therefore, there is no need to expect or warn about diarrhea as an anticipated effect of taking codeine.
C. "You should limit alcohol intake to 12 ounces daily." Mixing alcohol with codeine can have harmful effects, such as increased sedation and respiratory depression. However, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol completely while taking codeine, rather than setting a specific limit of 12 ounces daily.
D. "You should take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea." Taking codeine with or without food can vary depending on individual factors and the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider. However, taking codeine on an empty stomach does not necessarily prevent nausea. In fact, taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset for some individuals. It is best to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding the timing of codeine administration with or without food.
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