Deck 39: Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis and the Common Cold

Question 1

The nurse is teaching community education about the major functions of the upper respiratory tract. What will the best plan by the nursing instructor include?

A) Inward airflow from the trachea branches off to the two bronchi.
B) The nose warms the air before it reaches the lungs.
C) The nasal mucosa is the first line of immunological defense.
D) Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system constricts arterioles in the nose.
E) Activation of the sympathetic nervous system constricts arterioles in the nose.

Answer 1

The nose warms the air before it reaches the lungs.
The nasal mucosa is the first line of immunological defense.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system constricts arterioles in the nose.

Question 2

The nurse presenting community education about the structures of the upper respiratory tract (URT) would include which function?

A) Air cooling
B) Sympathomimetic conditioning
C) Air conditioning
D) Drying

Answer 2

Air conditioning

Question 3

The clinic nursing manager reviews histamine receptors with the clinic staff and evaluates that further instruction is needed when a staff member makes which statement?

A) "H₁-receptors are found in the stomach."
B) "H₁-receptors are responsible for allergic symptoms."
C) "H₂-receptors increase mucus secretion in the stomach."
D) "H₂-receptors are responsible for peptic ulcers."

Answer 3

"H₁-receptors are found in the stomach."

Question 4

The elderly client receives diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies. The nurse completes medication education and evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?

A) "Drowsiness is common but should lessen within a few doses."
B) "If this medication makes my nose run, I can use a nasal spray."
C) "I need to watch my intake of sodium with this medication."
D) "I cannot take this medication with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)."

Question 5

The client tells the nurse that her symptoms have become worse since she has been using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for nasal congestion. What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask?

A) "How old is the bottle you are using?"
B) "May I take your temperature?"
C) "Are you using any other inhaled medications?"
D) "How long have you been using the medication?"

Question 6

The nurse completes medication education for the client receiving antihistamines. The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?

A) "I can still have my after-dinner drink."
B) "I need to increase fluids while taking this medication."
C) "This medication is safe because it is sold over-the-counter (OTC)."
D) "This medication could make me very sleepy."

Question 7

Oral decongestants differ from intranasal decongestants in that oral decongestants

A) are more effective at relieving severe congestion.
B) have more systemic effects.
C) can cause rebound congestion.
D) have high efficacy.

Question 8

A mother asks the nurse when she should give her child cough medicine. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "When he is coughing up green secretions."
B) "When he has a temperature over 102°F."
C) "When he has bronchitis."
D) "When he has a dry cough and cannot rest."

Question 9

Which assessment finding, by the nurse, is a priority concern when a client receives pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)?

A) Temperature of 100°F
B) Respiratory rate of 22
C) Heart rate 82 and irregular
D) Complaints of a dry mouth

Question 10

The nurse teaches the client about the difference between oral and nasal decongestants. The nurse evaluates that learning has been effective when the client makes which statement?

A) "Oral decongestants can cause hypertension."
B) "Intranasal decongestants are safe to use for a month, if needed."
C) "Oral and nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion."
D) "Oral decongestants are the most effective at relieving severe congestion."

Question 11

The client has allergic rhinitis and asks the nurse what causes this. How should the nurse respond?

A) "It can occur after exposure to animal dander."
B) "Tobacco smoke causes it in some people."
C) "Exposure to pollens from weeds and grass causes an allergic response in some people."
D) "It is caused by asthma."
E) "You inherited the predisposition for this."

Question 12

The physician prescribes fluticasone (Flonase) for the client. The nurse would hold the drug and contact the physician with which assessment finding?

A) The client has diabetes mellitus.
B) The client is pregnant.
C) The client has glaucoma.
D) The client has hypertension.

Question 13

A patient has been changed from a first generation H₁ receptor antagonist to a second generation H₁ receptor antagonist. The nurse evaluates that the patient understands the benefit of this change when which statement is made?

A) "I can drink a few beers over the weekend and still take this drug."
B) "This drug will not dry out my mouth."
C) "This drug will not affect my ability to urinate."
D) "This drug will not make me as sleepy."

Question 14

The client receives beclomethasone (Beconase) intranasally as treatment for allergic rhinitis. He asks the nurse if this drug is safe because it is a glucocorticoid. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Intranasal glucocorticoids produce almost no serious adverse effects."
B) "Intranasal glucocorticoids are safe if you do not swallow any while using them."
C) "Intranasal glucocorticoids are safe if they are not used too long."
D) "Intranasal glucocorticoids are safe only if used once a day."

Question 15

Antihistamines block the actions of histamine at the

A) H₁ receptor site.
B) B₁ receptor site.
C) B₂ receptor site.
D) C₁ receptor site.

Question 16

The client is very frustrated that pseudoephedrine is no longer stocked on pharmacy shelves. The client does not like to go to the pharmacy counter to obtain the drug. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "This is frustrating, but hopefully it will decrease the amount of methamphetamine being produced."
B) "This is frustrating, but hopefully it will decrease the amount of inhaled heroin being produced."
C) "This is frustrating, but hopefully it will decrease the amount of methylphenidate being produced."
D) "This is frustrating, but hopefully it will decrease the amount of crack cocaine being produced."

Question 17

Centrally acting antitussives, such as opioids, are used to

A) decrease nasal congestion.
B) break down mucus.
C) relieve severe cough.
D) relieve mild cough.

Question 18

The client receives diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to control allergic symptoms. Which common symptom does the nurse teach the client to report to the physician?

A) Sedation
B) Diarrhea
C) Projectile vomiting
D) Urinary hesitancy

Question 19

Which over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine combination contains an analgesic property?

A) Sudafed PE Sinus and Allergy
B) Triaminic Cold/Allergy
C) Tavist Allergy 12-hour
D) Actifed Plus

Question 20

The client takes diphenhydramine (Benadryl) but forgets to tell the physician about this drug when a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug is prescribed for depression. What will the best assessment by the nurse reveal?

A) The depression will not subside.
B) The client may develop seizures.
C) The diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will not control allergies.
D) The client may develop a hypertensive crisis.

Question 21

A patient says, "I have such bad seasonal allergies. Is there anything I can take to keep them from happening?" What information should the nurse provide?

A) "Some antihistamines can help prevent onset of allergies."
B) "Some patients find that intranasal corticosteroids help prevent their allergies."
C) "Drugs that are mast cell stabilizers may help you avoid your seasonal allergies."
D) "Oral decongestants can help you prevent allergies."
E) "Nasal decongestants are very good at preventing allergic response."

Question 22

The patient has been prescribed oxymetazoline (Afrin). What medication information should the nurse provide?

A) "Be certain to wash your hands after using this spray."
B) "Do not swallow any medication that drips into your mouth."
C) "It may take several days before this medication is effective."
D) "Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
E) "Take this medication exactly as directed as there is no antidote if you overdose."

Question 23

A client is prescribed an intranasal corticosteroid. What should the nurse include in client education about this drug?

A) "You may feel a burning sensation when using this drug."
B) "This drug will be most effective if used only when symptoms are present."
C) "Be careful of how hard you squeeze the container as you can inadvertently give yourself too much medication for one dose."
D) "This medication may dry out your nasal passages enough to cause nosebleed."
E) "Do not eat licorice while taking this drug."

Question 24

A client has been prescribed the opioid combination drug Novahistine DM for control of cough. This drug contains codeine, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine. Which instructions should the nurse provide as part of medication education?

A) "Drink a full glass of water when taking this medication."
B) "Keep this medication at your bedside so you can take it as needed."
C) "Take this drug exactly as indicated."
D) "If you have head or body aches you may take any over-the-counter analgesic."
E) "Do not make important decisions or operate machinery while taking this drug."

Question 25

A patient who reports severe seasonal allergies has been prescribed fluticasone (Flonase). The nurse providing medication information would collaborate with the prescriber if the patient makes which statement?

A) "I don't like licorice anyway."
B) "My kids all have that head cold that is going around school."
C) "Next appointment I want to talk about treatment for my psoriasis."
D) "I have been eating lots of fresh fruits."

Question 26

A patient has been prescribed benzonatate (Tessalon). What medication education should the nurse provide?

A) "This medication should help relieve your cough."
B) "Do not chew this medication."
C) "This medication may increase your blood pressure."
D) "You may be nauseated when taking this medication."
E) "Don't be surprised if you develop headache while taking this medication."

Question 27

A client with chronic bronchitis is to start receiving breathing treatments with acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). Which information should the nurse include in teaching about this medication?

A) "Your pharmacist can order this for you to purchase as an over-the-counter drug."
B) "Stop the treatment if you start to cough."
C) "This drug has a very short shelf life, so if it smells bad, do not use it."
D) "This drug is designed to break down and thin the mucus in your lungs."
E) "You might experience nausea while using this drug."

Question 28

The patient has been prescribed dextromethorphan (Delsym) What medication information should the nurse provide?

A) "Do not smoke while using this drug."
B) "Do not drink alcohol while using this drug."
C) "This drug takes an hour or so to take effect."
D) "Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
E) "If you notice your speech is slurred, stop taking the medicine and call the clinic."

Question 29

The client is prescribed a nasal decongestant spray. What information should the nurse include when educating the client about how to use this medication?

A) "Blow your nose immediately before using the medication."
B) "Drink a full glass of water immediately before using this spray."
C) "Limit your use of this spray to no more than 5 days."
D) "Since you are using more than one type of nasal spray, be sure to wait 5-10 minutes between administrations."
E) "You should spit out any excess spray that drains into your mouth."

Question 30

A client calls the nurse help-line and says, "My friend and I have been swimming and drinking beer all day and he took a couple of swigs of Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan) about 15 minutes ago. Now he is acting funny and seeing things." What should the nurse consider when formulating a response?

A) The patient will need dialysis treatment to reverse overdose.
B) This is an opioid drug.
C) Dextromethorphan is very addicting.
D) Dizziness is one of the adverse effects of this drug.
E) Abuse of this drug can result in coma.