Question 1

Which patients would be able to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant safely? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Alpha-adrenergic decongestants can cause an increase in blood pressure and can also cause vasoconstriction in certain areas of the body. Therefore, patients with a history of heart disease, glaucoma, or prostatic hypertrophy should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants. However, a 24-year-old woman with allergic rhinitis and an 18-year-old man with cold symptoms would be able to safely take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant.

Question 2

When does allergic rhinitis occur? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed (A) due to exposure to an allergen (B), which triggers the release of histamine (C). Cold weather (D) and initial exposure to an antigen (E) are not direct causes of allergic rhinitis.

Question 3

Which topically active aerosol steroids are highly effective for reducing sneezing, nasal itching, stuffiness, and rhinorrhea? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Beclomethasone, fluticasone, flunisolide, and budesonide are all highly effective topical nasal steroids for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, nasal itching, stuffiness, and rhinorrhea. Prednisone is an oral steroid and is not typically used for topical treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Question 4

Which principles will the nurse include in a teaching plan for antihistamine therapy? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines can cause constipation, so increasing dietary fiber and fluids is recommended. They should not be taken with other prescription medications without physician approval due to potential interactions. Blurred vision is a known adverse effect of antihistamines.

Question 5

Which medication may be given to patients with allergic seasonal rhinitis who do not respond to antihistamines and sympathomimetics?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that can help reduce the inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis. They are often used when antihistamines and sympathomimetics are not effective. Leukotrienes are another type of medication that can be used for allergic rhinitis, but they are usually reserved for more severe cases. Mineralocorticoids and cortisol are not typically used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Question 6

The nurse is preparing education for a patient who has developed rebound nasal congestion secondary to use of topical decongestants. What information will the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is preparing education for a...

Question 7

Which of the following are true of antihistamines? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following are true of...

Question 8

Which is a serious adverse effect of decongestants?

Accepted Answer

Decongestants can cause an increase in blood pressure, and in some cases, can exacerbate hypertension. Hypotension (A) is not a common adverse effect of decongestants, and facial flushing (D) and orbital edema (C) are less serious adverse effects.

Question 9

What initiates the sneeze reflex?

Accepted Answer

The sneeze reflex is initiated by the irritation of the nasal mucosa by foreign particulate matter such as pollen, dust, or microorganisms. This triggers a nerve impulse that travels to the brainstem, which then sends signals to the muscles involved in the sneeze reflex. Stimulation of the vagus nerve, enervation of the olfactory cranial nerve, or stimulation of the tonsils are not directly involved in the sneeze reflex.

Question 10

Which instruction will the nurse include when teaching a patient with seasonal rhinitis and blocked nasal passages about intranasal corticosteroid therapy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which instruction will the nurse include when...

Question 11

What process in the antigen-antibody reaction causes the symptoms of allergies?

Accepted Answer

The release of histamine is the process that causes the symptoms of allergies in an antigen-antibody reaction. Histamine is released by immune cells known as mast cells and causes symptoms such as swelling, itching, and inflammation. This release of histamine is triggered by the binding of allergens to IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells.

Question 12

The nurse is teaching a patient about the administration of antihistamines. The nurse will instruct the patient to take the medication at what time of day?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines are most effective when taken prophylactically, or before exposure to an allergen. Taking the medication 45 minutes before exposure will allow the medication to be in the patient's system and working before allergen exposure occurs. Taking the medication PRN throughout the day or only after contact with an allergen may not effectively prevent symptoms. Taking the medication once nasal congestion begins may also not effectively prevent symptoms, as it may take time for the medication to start working.

Question 13

What can result if a patient overuses topical decongestants?

Accepted Answer

Overuse of topical decongestants can result in secondary congestion or rebound congestion, which is the worsening of nasal congestion due to withdrawal of the medication. It does not typically lead to hypertensive crisis, allergic reaction, or permanent olfactory damage.

Question 14

A patient at sports camp is complaining of itchy, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing when outdoors. The patient's chart states that he has an allergy to grasses. Which medication will the nurse administer?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines are used to treat allergic reactions, such as the patient's allergy to grasses. They can help relieve symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. Antitussives and expectorants are used to treat coughs, while decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion.

Question 15

What occurs in the nasal structures when cholinergic fibers are stimulated?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of cholinergic fibers in the nasal structures results in the production of serous and mucous secretions in the nostrils. This can help to lubricate and protect the nasal passages, and facilitate the movement of air through the nose. Dryness or bleeding is not a typical response to cholinergic stimulation. While olfactory perception may be affected by various factors, including the presence of different chemicals in the nasal mucus, enhanced perception is not a direct effect of cholinergic stimulation.

Quiz 30: Drugs Used to Treat Upper Respiratory Disease