A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed diphenhydramine to relieve pruritus. The client asks the nurse how he can minimize the daytime sedation he is experiencing. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
"Distribute the doses evenly throughout the day!"
"Gradually decrease the dose once tolerance to the effect is reached."
"Take the medication with meals."
"Take most of the daily dose at bedtime."
The Correct Answer is D
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that can cause sedation as a side effect. Taking most of the daily dose at bedtime can help minimize daytime sedation. By taking the medication closer to bedtime, the sedative effects are more likely to occur during sleep, reducing the impact of sedation during waking hours.
The other options mentioned are not effective strategies to minimize daytime sedation caused by diphenhydramine:
A. "Distribute the doses evenly throughout the day": This approach may lead to a consistent level of sedation throughout the day and may not effectively minimize daytime sedation.
B. "Gradually decrease the dose once tolerance to the effect is reached": Gradually decreasing the dose of diphenhydramine is not a recommended strategy for minimizing daytime sedation. It is important to follow the prescribed dose and consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to the medication regimen.
C. "Take the medication with meals": Taking diphenhydramine with meals may help reduce the risk of stomach upset but does not directly address the issue of daytime sedation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The sympathetic nervous system postganglionic neurons primarily release norepinephrine as their neurotransmitter. These neurons are part of the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for coordinating the body's "fight or flight" response to stress or danger.
Norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter at the postganglionic synapses and binds to adrenergic receptors in the target tissues, mediating the physiological responses associated with sympathetic activation.
While acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter released by the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system, it is not the neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is released into the bloodstream by the adrenal medulla and acts as a hormone, not a neurotransmitter. Arginine is an amino acid and is not directly involved in the neurotransmission of the sympathetic nervous system.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine commonly used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. One of the common side effects of dimenhydrinate is dizziness. It can cause sedation and impair cognitive and motor functions. Therefore, the client should be advised to be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Monitoring for dizziness and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure the client's safety.
The other options provided in the original response are incorrect:
- Administer 24 hr before effects are desired: This is not a correct instruction for dimenhydrinate. The medication is typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before the desired effects, such as before travel to prevent motion sickness.
- Expect an increase in salivation: Dimenhydrinate does not typically cause an increase in salivation. This is not a known side effect of the medication.
- Observe for diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of dimenhydrinate. While gastrointestinal disturbances can occur with some antihistamines, it is not typically associated with dimenhydrinate use.
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