Question 1

During a routine checkup,a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine because of one of its most common adverse effects.The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient?

A) Constipation
B) Abdominal cramps
C) Drowsiness
D) Decreased libido

Drowsiness

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness is a common adverse effect of antihistamines and can cause difficulty with daily activities such as driving or operating machinery. Constipation and abdominal cramps are not typically associated with antihistamines, while decreased libido is a less common adverse effect.

Question 2

A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive,thick mucus from the respiratory tract.The nurse expects that which drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?&#10;A) Guaifenesin (Humibid)&#10;B) Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)&#10;C) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)&#10;D) Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)

Accepted Answer

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and remove. It is often used in patients with a tracheostomy who have difficulty removing excessive, thick mucus. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a cough suppressant that is not indicated for mucus removal. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that may help with allergies or allergic reactions, but does not aid in mucus removal. Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) is a cough suppressant and does not aid in mucus removal.

Question 3

A gardener needs a decongestant because of seasonal allergy problems and asks the nurse whether he should take an oral form or a nasal spray.Which of these is a benefit of orally administered decongestants?

A) Immediate onset
B) A more potent effect
C) Lack of rebound congestion
D) Shorter duration

Lack of rebound congestion

Accepted Answer

Orally administered decongestants do not tend to cause rebound congestion, which can occur with nasal sprays if used for more than a few days. However, they may have a slower onset and shorter duration compared to nasal sprays, and the potency may vary between individuals. It is important for the gardener to discuss his specific allergy symptoms and medical history with a healthcare provider before selecting a decongestant.

Question 4

A child will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl),5 mg/kg/day,in divided doses,every 6 hours.The child weighs 80 pounds.Identify how many milligrams of medication will the child receive with each dose.(record answer using one decimal place)_______

Accepted Answer

The answer of A child will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl),5...

Question 5

The nurse will instruct patients about a possible systemic effect that may occur if excessive amounts of topically applied adrenergic nasal decongestants are used.Which systemic effect may occur?&#10;A) Heartburn&#10;B) Bradycardia&#10;C) Drowsiness&#10;D) Palpitations

Accepted Answer

Palpitations may occur as a systemic effect of excessive use of adrenergic nasal decongestants. These drugs can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and lead to increased heart rate and palpitations. Heartburn and drowsiness are not commonly associated with these drugs, and bradycardia (a slow heart rate) is not a typical systemic effect of adrenergic drugs.

Question 6

A patient asks the nurse about the uses of echinacea.Which use will the nurse include in the response?&#10;A) Memory enhancement&#10;B) Boosting the immune system&#10;C) Improving mood&#10;D) Promoting relaxation

Accepted Answer

Echinacea is known to stimulate the immune system and has been traditionally used to prevent and treat the common cold and flu. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a natural remedy for upper respiratory infections. However, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in these uses, and it should not be used in place of standard medical care.

Question 7

A patient is taking guaifenesin (Humibid)as part of treatment for a sinus infection.Which instruction will the nurse include during patient teaching?&#10;A) Force fluids to help loosen and liquefy secretions.&#10;B) Report clear-colored sputum to the prescriber.&#10;C) Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery because of the sedating effects.&#10;D) Report symptoms that last longer than 2 days.

Accepted Answer

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen and liquefy mucus secretions, making it easier for the patient to cough up and clear their airways. Encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluids can further enhance the medication's effectiveness in reducing congestion and promoting drainage. Reporting clear-colored sputum is not necessarily an indication of a problem, as this is a normal sign of clearance of mucus. Sedation is not a common side effect of guaifenesin. While it is always important to report symptoms that persist beyond the expected duration of treatment, a timeframe of only 2 days may not be adequate to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

Question 8

A patient will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl)via a PEG tube,25 mg,every 8 hours for an allergic rash.The medication is available as a 12.5 mg/5 mL syrup.Identify how many milliliters will the nurse administer with each dose._______

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient will be receiving diphenhydramine (Benadryl)via...

Question 9

When giving dextromethorphan,the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex by which mechanism of action?&#10;A) Causing depression of the central nervous system&#10;B) Anesthetizing the stretch receptors&#10;C) Having direct action on the cough center&#10;D) Decreasing the viscosity of the bronchial secretions

Accepted Answer

Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by having a direct action on the cough center in the medulla oblongata of the brain. It does not cause depression of the central nervous system, anesthetize stretch receptors, or decrease the viscosity of bronchial secretions.

Question 10

A patient has been advised to add a nasal spray (an adrenergic decongestant)to treat a cold.The nurse will include which instruction?&#10;A) &#34;You won't see effects for at least 1 week.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops.&#34;

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for a limited amount of time to avoid rebound congestion and other adverse effects. Limiting use to 3 to 5 days is recommended. Option A is incorrect because the effects of the spray should be noticeable within minutes to hours, not days. Option C is incorrect because using the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved can lead to prolonged use and rebound congestion. Option D is incorrect because fever is not a contraindication for the use of adrenergic decongestant nasal sprays.

Deck 36: Antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, and Expectorants