A patient who has seasonal allergies in the spring and fall asks the nurse about oral antihistamines. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Make sure you take antihistamines only when you have symptoms to minimize side effects

First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine [Benadryl], are more effective

Anticholinergic effects are more common with second-generation antihistamines

You should take oral antihistamines daily during each allergy season to get maximum effects

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Taking antihistamines only with symptoms may reduce side effects but provides inconsistent relief, as histamine levels fluctuate. Daily use during allergy seasons prevents symptom onset, offering better control, especially for second-generation antihistamines with longer action, making this choice less effective.

Choice B reason: First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) are sedating and have more side effects than second-generation (e.g., loratadine), which are equally effective for allergies but less sedating. Claiming first-generation are more effective is incorrect, as second-generation are preferred, making this choice inaccurate.

Choice C reason: Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth) are more common with first-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) due to non-selective receptor binding. Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) are more selective for H1 receptors, reducing these effects, making this choice incorrect and opposite to pharmacological profiles.

Choice D reason: Daily oral antihistamines, especially second-generation (e.g., loratadine), during allergy seasons maintain steady histamine receptor blockade, preventing symptoms like sneezing and itching. This maximizes efficacy and improves quality of life, aligning with guidelines for seasonal allergies, making this the correct nurse response.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Synthesis of more receptor sites (upregulation) typically occurs with receptor antagonists, not agonists, as the body compensates for blocked receptors. This would increase drug sensitivity, not decrease effectiveness. For most medications, continuous exposure leads to desensitization, not receptor proliferation, making this choice incorrect for explaining tolerance.

Choice B reason: Decreased receptor selectivity implies a drug binding to unintended receptors, causing varied effects, not reduced efficacy. Tolerance results from receptor desensitization, not altered selectivity. This mechanism doesn’t explain the patient’s “immunity” to the drug’s therapeutic effects, making this choice scientifically inaccurate for the scenario.

Choice C reason: Desensitization occurs when continuous drug exposure reduces receptor responsiveness, leading to tolerance. For example, opioid receptors downregulate or internalize with prolonged agonist exposure, decreasing drug efficacy. This explains the patient’s perception of “immunity” as the drug’s effect diminishes over time, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: The body does not produce antagonists to compete with drugs for receptor sites. Tolerance arises from receptor desensitization or metabolic changes (e.g., enzyme induction), not endogenous antagonist production. This mechanism is not a recognized pharmacological process for reduced drug effectiveness, making this choice incorrect.

A. A transporter shell B. Selectivity and effectiveness C. The ability to cross membranes D. Development of an electric charge

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A transporter shell is not a pharmacological concept; drugs use transport proteins or diffusion. Membrane crossing is key, so this is incorrect for drug movement.

Choice B reason: Selectivity and effectiveness define therapeutic action, not physical movement. Drugs must cross membranes to reach targets, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Drugs must cross cell membranes to move through the body, affecting absorption and distribution. This is a fundamental requirement, making it the correct choice.

Choice D reason: An electric charge may influence solubility but isn’t required for movement. Membrane permeability is essential, so this is incorrect for drug pharmacokinetics.

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A patient who has seasonal allergies in the spring and fall asks the nurse about oral antihistamines. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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