How does an antihistamine work?

By blocking the effects of histamine in the body

By reducing inflammation in the body

By increasing the production of histamine in the body

By stimulating the immune system

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) By blocking the effects of histamine in the body:
Antihistamines are pharmacological agents that work by antagonizing the effects of histamine, a chemical mediator released by mast cells and basophils in response to allergens or other triggers. Histamine contributes to various allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Antihistamines exert their effects by competitively binding to histamine receptors (specifically H1 receptors) on target cells, thereby preventing histamine from binding and exerting its physiological effects. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine, leading to the alleviation of allergy symptoms.

B) By reducing inflammation in the body:
While some medications, such as corticosteroids, exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the immune response and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, antihistamines primarily target histamine receptors and do not directly reduce inflammation. Although histamine release can contribute to inflammation, antihistamines mitigate allergic symptoms primarily by blocking the action of histamine rather than by directly reducing inflammation.

C) By increasing the production of histamine in the body:
This statement is inaccurate. Antihistamines do not increase the production of histamine; instead, they counteract the effects of histamine by blocking its activity at receptor sites. The primary mechanism of action of antihistamines involves blocking histamine receptors to prevent histamine from exerting its physiological effects.

D) By stimulating the immune system:
Antihistamines do not stimulate the immune system. Instead, they act as antagonists to histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting histamine-induced responses. While histamine is involved in immune responses and allergic reactions, antihistamines do not directly modulate immune function or stimulate immune activity. Their primary role is to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine."

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Take this medication with food:
Captopril is an ACE inhibitor, known to work best on an empty stomach. Food can reduce its absorption, impacting its effectiveness. Thus, while clients can take captopril with or without food, it's generally recommended to take it on an empty stomach for optimal results.

B) Monitor for a cough:
Captopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly induces a persistent, dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect can be bothersome and may necessitate discontinuation of the medication. Therefore, patients should be vigilant for the onset of a cough and promptly report it to their healthcare provider.

C) Avoid bananas:
Although captopril can occasionally lead to hyperkalemia, advising patients to avoid bananas specifically may not be necessary. While bananas are potassium-rich, restricting them alone might not significantly impact potassium levels. However, patients should be educated on monitoring potassium intake and informed of potential dietary modifications if hyperkalemia occurs.

D) Hold medication for heart rate less than 100/min:
Captopril is not known to directly affect heart rate. This instruction may be more applicable to medications like beta-blockers, which can lower heart rate as part of their mechanism of action. Therefore, holding captopril for heart rates below 100/min may not be clinically indicated.

A. Severe pain. B. Frequent episodes of painful urination C. An inability to void D. Bladder spasms

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Bethanechol is not indicated for the relief of severe pain following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Pain management for postoperative discomfort typically involves analgesics such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depending on the severity of pain. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) Frequent episodes of painful urination:
While frequent episodes of painful urination may occur after a TURP due to irritation of the urinary tract, bethanechol is not typically administered to address this symptom. Painful urination is often managed with analgesics and may improve as the urinary tract heals. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

C) An inability to void:
This is the correct response. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates bladder contraction and can be used to treat urinary retention or an inability to void following surgical procedures such as TURP. By increasing bladder tone and promoting urination, bethanechol helps relieve urinary retention and prevents complications associated with prolonged bladder distension.

D) Bladder spasms:
While bladder spasms may occur postoperatively following a TURP, bethanechol is not typically administered to address this symptom. Bladder spasms are often managed with anticholinergic medications or muscle relaxants to reduce involuntary contractions of the bladder. Therefore, this option is incorrect.”

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How does an antihistamine work?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for captopril. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The nurse should plan to administer the client’s PRN bethanechol when the client reports which of the following manifestations?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with COPD would be expected to have

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has hypertension and a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following beverages should the nurse tell the client to avoid while taking this medication?

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A 27-year-old male is taking an anticholinergic drug as adjunctive therapy to treat his peptic ulcer disease. The client comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he "feels his heart beating." What adverse effect is the client experiencing from the anticholinergic medication?

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