A client diagnosed with allergic rhinitis is prescribed an antihistamine to assist with symptoms. Which of the following medications below would be considered a second-generation antihistamine?
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor)
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
montelukast (Singulair)
The Correct Answer is A
A) Cetirizine (Zyrtec): This medication is classified as a second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are designed to be less sedating than first-generation agents, as they are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier. Cetirizine effectively alleviates symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking histamine receptors and is commonly used due to its efficacy and reduced sedation compared to older antihistamines.
B) Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor): Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine. It tends to cause more sedation and has a higher likelihood of causing side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. First-generation antihistamines are typically less selective and can affect the central nervous system more significantly than their second-generation counterparts.
C) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This medication is also a first-generation antihistamine. It is well-known for its sedative effects and is often used for allergic reactions, as well as for its sleep-inducing properties. Like other first-generation antihistamines, diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness and other anticholinergic effects.
D) Montelukast (Singulair): Montelukast is not an antihistamine but rather a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It is used for the management of allergic rhinitis and asthma but works through a different mechanism by blocking leukotriene receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and mucus production. It is not classified as an antihistamine, either first or second generation.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Limit use of the drug to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion: Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant that can lead to rebound congestion if used for more than three consecutive days. This condition, known as rhinitis medicamentosa, can worsen nasal congestion rather than alleviate it, making it crucial for clients to adhere to this guideline.
B. This drug may be used in maintenance treatment for asthma: Oxymetazoline is not indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is a nasal decongestant, primarily used for temporary relief of nasal congestion due to colds or allergies, and does not address the underlying inflammation in asthma.
C. This medication may take up to a week to see effects: In fact, oxymetazoline provides rapid relief of nasal congestion, typically within minutes of administration. Clients should expect to feel its effects much sooner rather than having to wait a week, which can lead to misuse or overuse of the medication.
D. Take this drug at bedtime because it may cause drowsiness: Oxymetazoline is not known to cause drowsiness; rather, it works as a decongestant. Patients are usually advised to use it during the day as needed, and it should not be specifically recommended for bedtime use
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypertension: Fluticasone, a corticosteroid, is not typically associated with causing hypertension directly. However, chronic use can lead to fluid retention and hypertension in some individuals, but it is not a primary concern compared to other side effects.
B. Fungal infections: This is a significant adverse effect associated with inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone. Prolonged use can increase the risk of oral thrush and other fungal infections due to the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial.
C. Decreased immunity: While long-term use of systemic corticosteroids can lead to decreased immune function, inhaled fluticasone is less likely to cause significant immunosuppression. However, it can still impact local immunity in the airways, making monitoring for infections more relevant than generalized immune suppression.
D. Hypoglycemia: Fluticasone is not known to cause hypoglycemia. In fact, corticosteroids typically can lead to increased blood glucose levels rather than lowering them, especially with chronic use, making this option inaccurate in the context of monitoring for adverse effects.