A nurse is caring for a client who has poison ivy and is prescribed diphenhydramine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give regarding the adverse effect of dry mouth associated with diphenhydramine?
"Administer the medication with food."
"Discontinue the medication and notify your provider.”
"Place a humidifier at your bedside every evening.”
“Chew on sugarless gum or suck on hard, sour candies."
The Correct Answer is D
Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine medication commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including itching and rash. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on hard, sour candies can help stimulate saliva production and alleviate the discomfort of dry mouth.
A. "Administer the medication with food": While taking diphenhydramine with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset, it does not directly address the dry mouth side effect.
B. "Discontinue the medication and notify your provider": Discontinuing the medication without consulting the healthcare provider is not recommended unless specifically instructed to do so. Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine and can be managed with supportive measures.
C. "Place a humidifier at your bedside every evening": While using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and potentially alleviate dryness in the environment, it is not a specific instruction for managing dry mouth caused by diphenhydramine.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Traditional antihistamines like diphenhydramine are known to have sedating properties, which can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. On the other hand, loratadine is classified as a non-sedating or second-generation antihistamine. It is designed to have less of a sedative effect, allowing individuals to take it during the day without experiencing significant drowsiness or impairment.
It is important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness with loratadine. However, compared to diphenhydramine, loratadine is generally associated with a lower risk of sedation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This response demonstrates that the patient understands the dosing frequency (twice a day) and the importance of taking it with a full glass of water, which aligns with the instructions provided by the nurse.
The other choices are incorrect because:
A. "Taking this medication can cause me to develop a non-productive cough.": This response is about a potential side effect of the medication, rather than showing an understanding of the dosing instructions.
B. "I will take my medication Daily with a full glass of water.": This response indicates a misunderstanding of the dosing frequency, as the prescription specifically states "BID" (twice a day) rather than "daily."
D. "The medication will have to be given by my Home Health Nurse twice a day.": This response suggests a reliance on the home health nurse to administer the medication, which contradicts the instructions for the patient to take it themselves. It shows a misunderstanding of the patient's responsibility in self-administering the medication.
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