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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse will tell the patient that second-generation antihistamines are generally considered safer than first-generation antihistamines during pregnancy. While the safety of medications during pregnancy is a complex topic and individualized recommendations should be obtained from a healthcare provider, second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are often preferred over first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) due to their lower potential for sedation and other side effects. However, it is still important for the patient to consult with her healthcare provider for personalized advice on medication use during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Robitussin A-C contains codeine, which is an opioid antitussive that can have sedating effects. One of the major disadvantages of using this medication is the potential for drowsiness as a side effect. This can impair the client's ability to perform tasks that require alertness and can interfere with daily activities.
The other options listed are not the major disadvantage of antitussive therapy with Robitussin A-C:
The medication is irritating to the bronchial tree: Robitussin A-C is primarily used as an antitussive (cough suppressant) rather than for its effects on the bronchial tree. While it may have some mild irritant properties due to certain ingredients, it is not considered a major disadvantage of this medication.
The client may use the medication for 14 days: The duration of use for Robitussin A-C is typically determined by the healthcare provider based on the client's condition. While prolonged use of antitussives is generally not recommended without medical supervision, the duration of use is not considered the major disadvantage of this medication.
The medication is very expensive: The cost of medication can vary, and while cost may be a consideration for some individuals, it is not considered the major disadvantage of Robitussin
A-C specifically. The major disadvantage relates more to the potential for drowsiness caused by the medication.
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