A client with allergic rhinitis is taking the over-the-counter antihistamine diphenhydramine HCL. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide this client?
Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours.
Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset.
Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness.
Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours:
Diphenhydramine is typically dosed every 4 to 6 hours, not just once every 8 hours. However, this instruction is less critical compared to addressing the safety concerns related to drowsiness.
B. Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset:
Diphenhydramine is generally not known to cause significant gastric upset, so this instruction is less critical. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effects rather than gastrointestinal issues.
C. Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness:
Diphenhydramine is known to cause significant drowsiness and sedation. Advising the client to avoid driving is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure their safety, making this the most important instruction.
D. Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth:
While diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, using sugarless candy or gum is a helpful but secondary instruction. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effect, which affects the client's ability to drive safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["37.5"]
Explanation
Convert grams to milligrams: 4 grams = 4000 mg
Determine the concentration of magnesium sulfate in the solution: 4000 mg / 500 mL = 8 mg/mL
Calculate the volume needed to deliver 300 mg/hour:
300 mg/hour ÷ 8 mg/mL = 37.5 mL/hour
Therefore, the nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver 37.5 mL/hour.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to manage hyperkalemia, not to affect hemoglobin levels. While a hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL is within the normal range, it does not indicate the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
B. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not used to manage ammonia levels; it is used to lower elevated potassium levels. Thus, a serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL does not reflect the effectiveness of the medication.
C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is specifically used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating that the medication has effectively reduced elevated potassium levels.
D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect glucose levels. A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated but unrelated to the effectiveness of the potassium-lowering medication.
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