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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Opioid tolerance does not reduce constipation; it may persist or worsen. Tolerance primarily reduces pain relief, so this is incorrect for the effect.
Choice B reason: Respiratory depression risk may not increase with tolerance, as sensitivity to this effect also diminishes. Analgesia is most affected, so this is incorrect.
Choice C reason: Euphoria typically decreases with tolerance, not increases, as receptor sensitivity drops. Reduced analgesia is the primary effect, so this is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Opioid tolerance leads to decreased analgesic effect, requiring higher doses for pain relief. This is the hallmark of tolerance, making it the correct choice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Trade names are brand-specific (e.g., Tylenol for acetaminophen). N-acetyl-para-aminophenol is the chemical structure name, not a marketed brand. Trade names are proprietary and vary by manufacturer, while chemical names describe molecular composition, making this choice incorrect for the given term.
Choice B reason: Proprietary names are brand names owned by manufacturers (e.g., Advil for ibuprofen). N-acetyl-para-aminophenol is the chemical name for acetaminophen, not a proprietary or trade name, which is used for marketing purposes, making this choice incorrect for the drug’s nomenclature.
Choice C reason: Generic names are non-proprietary, like acetaminophen for N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. The term given is the chemical name, describing the molecular structure, not the standardized generic name used in clinical practice, making this choice incorrect for classifying N-acetyl-para-aminophenol.
Choice D reason: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol is the chemical name for acetaminophen, describing its molecular structure (an acetyl group on a para-aminophenol backbone). Chemical names are used in scientific contexts, distinct from generic or trade names, making this the correct choice for the drug’s nomenclature.
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