How does an antihistamine work?
By blocking the effects of histamine in the body
By reducing inflammation in the body
By increasing the production of histamine in the body
By stimulating the immune system
The Correct Answer is A
A) By blocking the effects of histamine in the body:
Antihistamines are pharmacological agents that work by antagonizing the effects of histamine, a chemical mediator released by mast cells and basophils in response to allergens or other triggers. Histamine contributes to various allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Antihistamines exert their effects by competitively binding to histamine receptors (specifically H1 receptors) on target cells, thereby preventing histamine from binding and exerting its physiological effects. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine, leading to the alleviation of allergy symptoms.
B) By reducing inflammation in the body:
While some medications, such as corticosteroids, exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the immune response and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, antihistamines primarily target histamine receptors and do not directly reduce inflammation. Although histamine release can contribute to inflammation, antihistamines mitigate allergic symptoms primarily by blocking the action of histamine rather than by directly reducing inflammation.
C) By increasing the production of histamine in the body:
This statement is inaccurate. Antihistamines do not increase the production of histamine; instead, they counteract the effects of histamine by blocking its activity at receptor sites. The primary mechanism of action of antihistamines involves blocking histamine receptors to prevent histamine from exerting its physiological effects.
D) By stimulating the immune system:
Antihistamines do not stimulate the immune system. Instead, they act as antagonists to histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting histamine-induced responses. While histamine is involved in immune responses and allergic reactions, antihistamines do not directly modulate immune function or stimulate immune activity. Their primary role is to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine."
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Apples:
Apples are not contraindicated with spironolactone use. There are no known interactions between spironolactone and apples.
B) Fish:
Fish is not contraindicated with spironolactone use. There are no known interactions between spironolactone and fish.
C) Crackers:
Crackers are not contraindicated with spironolactone use. There are no known interactions between spironolactone and crackers.
D) Bananas:
Bananas are high in potassium, and spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Ingesting potassium-rich foods such as bananas while taking spironolactone can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid consuming large amounts of potassium-rich foods like bananas to prevent adverse effects."
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Increasing GI motility and promoting bowel movements:
Laxatives work by increasing gastrointestinal motility, which stimulates the movement of fecal matter through the intestines. This promotes bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation.
B) Preventing incontinent clients from soiling themselves:
Laxatives are not typically used to prevent incontinence. Their primary function is to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements.
C) Reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining:
Laxatives do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining. They primarily act on bowel motility to facilitate the passage of stool.
D) Suppressing the immune response that causes inflammation:
Laxatives do not suppress the immune response or treat inflammation. They are specifically designed to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements."
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