Ch 38 & 39

Which does the nurse realize is true regarding a

second-generation antihistamine, loratadine?

• It leads to frequent urination.

• It may cause weight loss.

• It will cause little or no drowsiness.

• It is used as a nasal decongestant.

Answer explanation

Loratidine is a 2nd generation antihistamine & does not cause drowsiness

The nurse is teaching an older adult client about

guaifenesin. Which is appropriate to

include in this teaching? (Select all that apply.)

• Take the drug with a glass of water.

• Read labels on over-the-counter drugs and to check with healthcare provider before taking cold remedies.

• Take the drug at bedtime.

• Advise client to contact healthcare provider if cough persists more than 2 days.

Answer explanation

Rationale: Taking the drug with a glass of water can help loosen mucus. Labels should be read and the healthcare provider should be checked with, to avoid conflict with other medications the client is taking. Cold remedies should not be taken at bedtime. The healthcare provider should be notified if the cough last for 1 week.

The nurse is caring for a client who is taking a first-generation antihistamine. What is the most important fact for the nurse to teach the client?

• “Do not drive after taking this medication.”       

• “Make sure you drink a lot of liquids while on this medication.”

• “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”

• “Do not take this medication for more than 2 days.”

Answer explanation

First generation antihistamines can cause drowiness

A client is prescribed an antitussive medication. What is the most important thing for the nurse to teach the client?

• “This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness.”

• “Watch out for diarrhea and abdominal cramping.”

• “This may cause tremors and anxiety.”

• “Headache and hypertension are common side effects.”

Answer explanation

Antitussive medications also affect the CNS, thus causing drowsiness and dizziness.

A client complains of worsening nasal congestion despite the use of oxymetazoline nasal spray every 2 hours. What is the nurse's best response?

• “Oxymetazoline is not an effective nasal decongestant.”

• “Overuse of nasal decongestants results in rebound congestion.”

• “Oxymetazoline should be administered every hour for severe congestion.”

• “You are probably displaying an idiosyncratic reaction to oxymetazoline.”

Answer explanation

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is an effective nasal decongestant, but overuse results in worsening or "rebound" congestion. It should not be used more than every 4 hours. To avoid future rebound congestion with nasal sprays, it is recommended that they be used for no more than 3 days.

A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for oral prednisone to be taken long term. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for in this client?

• Constipation

• Bradycardia

• Weight gain

• Restlessness

Answer explanation

weight gain and fluid retention are adverse effects of oral steroids due to water and sodium retention.

A client diagnosed with hypertension develops a cold. Which information regarding OTC medications should the nurse teach the client?

• Try to find a medication that will not cause drowsiness

• OTC medications are not as effective as a prescription.

• OTC medications are more expensive than prescription medications.

• Do not take OTC medications without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Answer explanation

many OTC cold medications contain adrenergic agonists which will raise blood pressure. Clients with hypertension should not take OTC medications with adrenergic agonists, such as pseudoephedrine.