Deck 39: Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis and the Common Cold

Question 1

A client asks the nurse what has caused her allergic rhinitis. Which statements should the nurse include in the discussion? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Allergic rhinitis can occur after exposure to animal dander."
B) "Tobacco smoke can cause allergic rhinitis."
C) "Exposure to pollens from weeds and grass causes an allergic rhinitis."
D) "Asthma is associated with allergic rhinitis."
E) "There is a strong genetic predisposition for allergic rhinitis."

Answer 1

"Allergic rhinitis can occur after exposure to animal dander."
"Tobacco smoke can cause allergic rhinitis."
"Exposure to pollens from weeds and grass causes an allergic rhinitis."
"There is a strong genetic predisposition for allergic rhinitis."

Question 2

Which condition should the nurse be concerned about for a client prescribed fluticasone (Flonase)?

A) Diabetes mellitus
B) Pregnancy
C) Glaucoma
D) Hypertension

Answer 2

Pregnancy

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Actifed Plus

Question 4

A client asks the nurse when she should use an antitussive. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "When you are coughing up secretions."
B) "When your temperature is 101.2°F."
C) "When you have been diagnosed with a respiratory infection."
D) "When you have a dry cough and cannot rest."

Question 5

A client asks the nurse why he cannot take his monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) with diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Which response should the nurse provide?

A) "The diphenhydramine (Benadryl) interferes with the therapeutic effect of the MAOI."
B) "You are at risk for the development of seizures."
C) "The MAOI prescription decreases the effectiveness of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)."
D) "You may develop a hypertensive crisis."

Question 6

The nurse is reviewing the major functions of the upper respiratory tract with a client. Which information should the nurse include? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

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.

Question 7

Which symptom should the nurse instruct the client prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to report to the healthcare provider?

A) Sedation
B) Diarrhea
C) Weight gain
D) Urinary hesitancy

Question 8

Which information should the nurse include in the client education for the administration of an intranasal decongestant?

A) "Wait 15 minutes in between additional nasal sprays."
B) "Spit out any excess intranasal decongestant that drains in the mouth."
C) "Clear the nasal passage after administering the intranasal decongestant."
D) "Limit the use of the nasal decongestant to 2 weeks."

Question 9

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching for a client with allergic symptoms prescribed an antihistamine?

A) "Antihistamines are most effective when taken prophylactically."
B) "Antihistamines are useful in reversing allergic symptoms."
C) "Antihistamines are effective for long-term therapy."
D) "Antihistamines have minimal side effects."

Question 10

Which describes the purpose for the use of an opioid antitussive?

A) Decrease nasal congestion
B) Break down mucus
C) Relieve severe cough
D) Relieve mild cough

Question 11

The nurse teaches a 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 few weeks."
C) "Oral and nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion."
D) "Oral decongestants are the most effective at relieving severe congestion."

Question 12

Which prescription is used to prevent allergic rhinitis?

A) Oral corticosteroids
B) Oral decongestants
C) Intranasal corticosteroids
D) Intranasal decongestants

Question 13

The educator has reviewed the role of histamine receptors associated with allergic symptoms with a nurse. Which statement made by the nurse indicates further instruction is needed?

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."

Question 14

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching for a client prescribed dextromethorphan (Delsym)?

A) Avoid grapefruit juice.
B) Dextromethorphan can be used with a chronic cough.
C) The prescription may have a slow onset of action.
D) Decrease your alcohol intake while taking this prescription.

Question 15

The nurse has completed the education for a client prescribed an antihistamine. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the information?

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

Question 16

A client with nasal congestion tells the nurse that his symptoms have worsened since he has been using oxymetazoline (Afrin). Which question should the nurse ask the client?

A) "Have you checked the expiration date on the prescription?"
B) "Have you experienced a recent fever?"
C) "Are you using any other inhaled prescriptions?"
D) "How long have you been using the prescription?"

Question 17

The nurse has completed the education for a client prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) "Drowsiness is common but should lessen over time."
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 18

A client prescribed beclomethasone (Beconase) intranasally asks the nurse whether the prescription is safe. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "Intranasal glucocorticoids produce almost no serious adverse effects."
B) "Intranasal glucocorticoids will provide immediate relief."
C) "Intranasal glucocorticoids are safe if they are not used too long."
D) "Intranasal glucocorticoids are safe only if used once a day."

Question 19

Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about for a client receiving 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 20

Which histamine receptor is blocked by the action of an antihistamine?

A) H1 receptor site
B) B1 receptor site
C) B2 receptor site
D) H2 receptor site

Question 21

A client asks the nurse how benzonatate (Tessalon) works to suppress her cough. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "Anesthetizes the receptor sites of the lungs"
B) "Raises the cough threshold in the CNS"
C) "Reduces the viscosity of the mucus"
D) "Anticholinergic effects decrease the cough reflex"

Question 22

A patient has been prescribed benzonatate (Tessalon). What medication education should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

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) "Adverse effects are uncommon, but you may develop a headache."

Question 23

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching of a client with chronic bronchitis prescribed breathing treatments with acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)?

A) "Stop the treatment if you start to cough."
B) "Do not use the prescription if you notice it has a foul odor."
C) "This drug is used to decrease bronchospasms."
D) "You may experience nausea while using this drug."

Question 24

Which condition should the nurse be concerned about for a client prescribed an antitussive with codeine?

A) Asthma
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Chronic kidney disease
D) Coronary artery disease

Question 25

Which assessment findings should the nurse anticipate for a client experiencing allergic rhinitis? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Tearing eyes
B) Itching throat
C) Nasal congestion
D) Sneezing
E) Coughing

Question 26

Which disorders are antihistamines used to treat? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Insomnia
B) Vertigo
C) Cystic fibrosis
D) Parkinson's disease
E) Nasal congestion

Question 27

A client asks the nurse, "Is there anything that I can take for my seasonal allergies?" Which information should the nurse provide to the client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Some antihistamines can help prevent the 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 28

Which information should the nurse include when discussing the appropriate dosing and administration needs for self-administering prescriptive therapy?

A) "Drink water when you take cough syrup."
B) "Avoid drinking liquids with expectorants."
C) "Take your antihistamine as soon as you begin experiencing allergy symptoms."
D) "Clear your nasal passages by blowing prior to using your nasal spray."

Question 29

For which should the nurse monitor a client suspected of abusing dextromethorphan (Delsym)?

A) Nephrotoxicity
B) Cardiotoxicity
C) CNS toxicity
D) Hepatoxicity

Question 30

Which information should the nurse include in the education for a client prescribed an intranasal corticosteroid? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "You may feel a burning sensation when using this drug."
B) "This prescription will be most effective if used only when symptoms are present."
C) "Squeeze the container cautiously so you do not inadvertently administer too much of a dose."
D) "This prescription may dry out your nasal passages enough to cause nosebleed."
E) "Avoid eating licorice while taking this prescription."