What body system will the nurse assess for common adverse effects of traditional antihistamines?

Respiratory

Central nervous

Cardiovascular

Gastrointestinal

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Respiratory effects are not primary adverse effects of traditional antihistamines like diphenhydramine. They relieve respiratory symptoms (e.g., allergic rhinitis) by blocking histamine H1 receptors. Adverse effects primarily involve the central nervous system, like sedation, due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Choice B reason: Traditional antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, commonly cause central nervous system effects like drowsiness, confusion, or impaired coordination. By blocking H1 receptors in the brain, they disrupt histamine’s wakefulness-promoting effects, leading to sedation, making this the primary system to assess for adverse effects.

Choice C reason: Cardiovascular effects, like tachycardia, are rare with traditional antihistamines and more associated with second-generation antihistamines in overdose. First-generation antihistamines primarily cause CNS and anticholinergic effects, not significant cardiovascular disturbances, making this a less critical system to monitor.

Choice D reason: Gastrointestinal effects, like nausea, are less common with traditional antihistamines compared to CNS effects. Their anticholinergic properties may cause dry mouth or constipation, but sedation and cognitive impairment are more prominent, making the central nervous system the primary focus for adverse effect assessment.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Theophylline, a methylxanthine, causes palpitations by increasing cyclic AMP through phosphodiesterase inhibition, stimulating cardiac beta-1 receptors. This can lead to tachycardia or arrhythmias, especially at high levels. Monitoring heart rate is critical due to theophylline’s narrow therapeutic index and potential for cardiovascular toxicity.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is not a primary adverse effect of theophylline. Gastrointestinal upset, like nausea or vomiting, may occur due to gastric irritation, but diarrhea is less common. Theophylline’s main toxicities involve the cardiovascular and nervous systems, making palpitations a more significant concern.

Choice C reason: Drowsiness is not associated with theophylline, which acts as a CNS stimulant, potentially causing nervousness or insomnia. Its phosphodiesterase inhibition increases cyclic AMP, enhancing alertness, not sedation. Drowsiness is more linked to antihistamines, making this incorrect for theophylline monitoring.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia is not a typical theophylline effect. Theophylline stimulates the heart via beta-1 receptor activation, causing tachycardia or palpitations. Bradycardia may occur with other drugs, like beta-blockers, but theophylline’s sympathomimetic effects make palpitations a more relevant adverse effect to monitor.

A. We will hold the treatment for 24 hours. B. This is an expected side effect. Let me take your pulse. C. I will notify the physician about this adverse effect. D. The next scheduled nebulizer treatment will be skipped.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Holding albuterol treatment for 24 hours is inappropriate, as jitteriness is a common side effect of beta-2 agonists due to sympathetic stimulation. Albuterol’s benefits in relieving bronchospasm outweigh transient side effects. Discontinuing therapy could worsen asthma symptoms, and monitoring is preferred over stopping treatment.

Choice B reason: Jitteriness is an expected side effect of albuterol, a beta-2 agonist, due to its stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, increasing cyclic AMP and causing mild tremors or nervousness. Checking the pulse ensures no serious tachycardia, allowing the nurse to monitor and reassure the patient while continuing necessary therapy.

Choice C reason: Notifying the physician is unnecessary for jitteriness, a common and expected side effect of albuterol. It results from beta-2 receptor stimulation, not a severe adverse reaction. Monitoring vital signs, like pulse, is sufficient to assess the patient’s response without escalating to physician notification immediately.

Choice D reason: Skipping the next albuterol treatment is not warranted, as jitteriness is a transient, expected side effect due to sympathetic stimulation. Albuterol is critical for asthma management, and discontinuation could exacerbate symptoms. Monitoring and patient education about expected effects are more appropriate than altering the treatment schedule.

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What body system will the nurse assess for common adverse effects of traditional antihistamines?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After receiving a nebulizer treatment with albuterol, the patient states she is feeling slightly jittery and wonders if she is having a bad reaction. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse will instruct patients about a possible systemic effect that may occur with the use of inhaled albuterol. Which systemic effect may occur?

The nurse is preparing to administer heparin intravenously (IV). Which response by the nurse would be appropriate when the patient asks when the medication will start working?

Which of the following is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) commonly used to relieve acute bronchospasm in asthma?

A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin to a patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. The nurse is using a prefilled syringe with enoxaparin. Which action by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics can occur with which situations? (Select all that apply)

The nurse is reviewing chloroquine with a patient and instructs the patient to watch for and report which potential adverse reactions?

When reviewing the allergy history of a patient, the nurse notes that the patient is allergic to penicillin. Based on this finding, the nurse would question an order for which class of antibiotics?

A patient is taking nystatin oral lozenges to treat an oral candidiasis infection resulting from inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Which instruction by the nurse is appropriate?