The charge nurse asks the practical nurse (PN) to administer diphenhydramine 25 mg IM to a client prior to infusing a blood transfusion. Which explanation should the PN offer the client about the purpose of this drug?
Facilitate rapid infusion of the transfusion
Inhibit the antigen-antibody reaction
Promote relaxation of the client during the blood transfusion
Minimize symptoms related to any allergic reaction
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Diphenhydramine does not facilitate rapid transfusion. It is an antihistamine used to prevent allergic reactions during transfusions, not to alter infusion speed. Rapid infusion depends on clinical protocols and patient tolerance, not antihistamine effects, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: Diphenhydramine does not inhibit antigen-antibody reactions, which occur in transfusion mismatches. It mitigates histamine-mediated allergic symptoms, like itching or hives, but does not prevent immunological reactions. This choice is incorrect, as it misrepresents the drug’s role in symptom management.
Choice C reason: While diphenhydramine may cause sedation, its primary purpose before transfusion is to prevent allergic reactions, not to promote relaxation. Relaxation is a secondary effect, not the clinical rationale for its use, making this choice less accurate than allergy prevention.
Choice D reason: Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, minimizes allergic reaction symptoms, such as itching or hives, during blood transfusions by blocking histamine receptors. This premedication reduces the risk of mild transfusion-related allergic responses, ensuring patient comfort and safety, making it the correct explanation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking medications with food may reduce gastric irritation but does not prevent anaphylactic reactions to penicillin, which are immune-mediated. This advice is irrelevant for avoiding future allergic responses, as it does not address the systemic hypersensitivity triggered by penicillin exposure.
Choice B reason: A medic alert bracelet is critical for a client with a penicillin anaphylaxis history, as it alerts healthcare providers to avoid penicillin, preventing potentially fatal allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis involves IgE-mediated histamine release, and re-exposure risks rapid, life-threatening symptoms, making this the most important instruction.
Choice C reason: Keeping epinephrine is useful for managing anaphylaxis but is secondary to prevention. A medic alert bracelet proactively avoids penicillin exposure, reducing the need for emergency intervention. Epinephrine treats symptoms but does not address the root cause of re-exposure risk.
Choice D reason: Taking all prescribed ampicillin is dangerous, as the client had an anaphylactic reaction, indicating a severe allergy. Continuing the drug risks recurrent, potentially fatal reactions. This choice is incorrect, as it contradicts the need to avoid the allergen entirely.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stopping disulfiram for nausea or vomiting is incorrect, as these are expected in alcohol reactions, not side effects warranting discontinuation. Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde buildup if alcohol is consumed, leading to these symptoms, which reinforce alcohol avoidance.
Choice B reason: Avoiding all alcohol, including in cough syrups, is critical, as disulfiram causes severe reactions (flushing, nausea) by blocking acetaldehyde metabolism. Even small amounts trigger symptoms, reinforcing abstinence in alcohol dependence treatment, making this the most important instruction for safety and efficacy.
Choice C reason: Taking disulfiram at the same time daily promotes adherence but is less critical than avoiding alcohol, which directly prevents severe reactions. Consistency aids therapeutic levels, but alcohol exposure poses immediate health risks, making this instruction secondary.
Choice D reason: Weekly blood tests are not standard for disulfiram, as therapeutic levels are not routinely monitored, and sodium is unaffected. Liver function may be checked periodically, but alcohol avoidance is the priority to prevent acute reactions, making this choice incorrect.
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