A pregnant patient asks the nurse if she can take antihistamines for seasonal allergies during her pregnancy. What will the nurse tell the patient?

The margin of safety for antihistamines is clearly understood for pregnant patients

Second-generation antihistamines are safer than first-generation antihistamines

Antihistamines should not be taken during pregnancy but may be taken when breastfeeding

Antihistamines are contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

A. Reduces inflammation B. Dries mucous membranes C. Stimulates secretions D. Suppresses the urge to cough

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Expectorants are medications that help to loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and expel. They work by increasing the production of respiratory tract secretions, which helps to hydrate and thin the mucus, making it less sticky and easier to clear from the airways. By stimulating the production and secretion of mucus, expectorants promote coughing and facilitate the removal of excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.

It's important to note that expectorants are primarily used for productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm or mucus). If the cough is dry and non-productive, other types of cough suppressants or remedies may be more appropriate.

Regarding the other options:

Reduces inflammation: Expectorants do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. Anti-inflammatory medications such as glucocorticoids are typically used for reducing inflammation in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dries mucous membranes: Expectorants do not have a drying effect on mucous membranes. In fact, they work to increase the hydration and fluidity of respiratory secretions.

Suppresses the urge to cough: Expectorants do not suppress the urge to cough. They promote coughing by facilitating the clearance of mucus and phlegm from the airways. Cough suppressants, on the other hand, are medications used to relieve a dry, non-productive cough by suppressing the cough reflex.

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A pregnant patient asks the nurse if she can take antihistamines for seasonal allergies during her pregnancy. What will the nurse tell the patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client about taking an expectorant to treat a cough. The nurse should explain that this type of medication has which of the following actions?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient complains of worsening nasal congestion despite the use of oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray every 2 to 4 hours for the past 5 days. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that

A patient is in an urgent care center with an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects which medication will be used for initial treatment.

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who reports taking pseudoephedrine for sinus congestion as needed. The nurse should identify that pseudoephedrine is contraindicated for which of the following client conditions?

A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a patient who has been ordered Guaifenesin (Mucinex) to take BID for 3 days after discharge. What response by the patient lets her know that he understands how to take his medication?

A client with diabetes mellitus is being admitted to the hospital for surgery. The client has been taking Glucocorticoids (Prednisone) long-term for uncontrolled COPD. Which of the following must the nurse consider when she is obtaining a health history? (Select All that Apply.)

A contraindication for the use of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in a patient is:

A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has asthma and is about to start taking theophylline (Theo-24). The nurse should tell the client that this medication might cause which of the following adverse effects?