A patient has allergies and takes an antihistamine. The patient wants to know how the drug works. The nurse understands that antihistamines work because they are what?

Antidotes

Antagonists

Agonists

Activators

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Antidotes counteract specific toxins or drugs (e.g., naloxone for opioids). Antihistamines don’t neutralize allergens but block histamine receptors to reduce allergic symptoms like itching or sneezing. They target H1 or H2 receptors, not a toxin, making this choice incorrect for describing antihistamine mechanism of action.

Choice B reason: Antihistamines are antagonists, binding to histamine receptors (H1 or H2) without activating them, preventing histamine from triggering allergic responses like vasodilation or bronchoconstriction. This competitive inhibition reduces symptoms such as itching, sneezing, or gastric acid secretion, making this the correct choice for their pharmacological action.

Choice C reason: Agonists activate receptors to produce a response. Antihistamines block histamine receptors, not activate them, preventing allergic effects. Acting as agonists would mimic histamine, worsening symptoms like swelling or itching, which is opposite to their therapeutic role, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Activators is a vague term not used in pharmacology to describe drug action. Antihistamines specifically act as receptor antagonists, not general activators. They inhibit histamine effects without stimulating other pathways, making this choice inaccurate for explaining the mechanism of antihistamines in allergy management.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has a weak, controversial association with gastric cancer due to hypergastrinemia, but evidence is inconclusive. In older patients, risks like osteoporosis and nutrient deficiencies are more established and immediate concerns, making this choice less consistently worrisome compared to others.

Choice B reason: PPIs reduce gastric acid, impairing calcium absorption, which increases osteoporosis risk in older patients. Chronic use is linked to decreased bone density and higher fracture risk, particularly in the elderly, due to disrupted mineral homeostasis, making this a significant and correct adverse effect to monitor.

Choice C reason: PPIs inhibit acid production, reducing absorption of vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron, leading to deficiencies in older patients. These can cause anemia, neurological issues, or hypomagnesemia, which are particularly concerning in the elderly due to comorbidities, making this a correct and critical adverse effect.

Choice D reason: Headaches are a possible PPI side effect but are less common and less severe in older patients compared to osteoporosis, nutrient deficiencies, or drug interactions. They don’t pose a significant long-term risk or require specific monitoring, making this choice incorrect for major concerns.

Choice E reason: PPIs interact with drugs like clopidogrel, reducing its efficacy by inhibiting CYP2C19, and affect absorption of drugs requiring acidic environments. In older patients with polypharmacy, these interactions increase risks of adverse outcomes, making this a significant and correct concern for PPI use.

A. Captopril PO B. Hydralazine (Apresoline) 25 mg PO C. Minoxidil 20 mg PO D. Sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress) IV

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Captopril PO is used for chronic hypertension, not acute crises, due to slower onset. IV nitroprusside acts rapidly to control severe hypertension, so this is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Hydralazine PO has a slower onset, unsuitable for hypertensive crisis requiring immediate control. IV nitroprusside is faster and titratable, making this incorrect for acute management.

Choice C reason: Minoxidil PO is for refractory hypertension, not emergencies, due to delayed action. Sodium nitroprusside IV is preferred for rapid control, so this is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Sodium nitroprusside IV is the drug of choice for hypertensive crisis, offering rapid, titratable blood pressure reduction. This aligns with urgent needs, making it the correct choice.

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A patient has allergies and takes an antihistamine. The patient wants to know how the drug works. The nurse understands that antihistamines work because they are what?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which are potentially worrisome adverse effects associated with proton pump inhibitor use in older patients? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

A patient is admitted with severe hypertensive crisis. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which statement about food and drug interactions is true?

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