A nurse is administering diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to a client experiencing a minor allergic reaction. Which information would the nurse include in the client's teaching plan regarding diphenhydramine (Benadry)? (Select All that Apply.)
This medication (Benadryl) targets h2 receptors to alleviate symptoms.
Take this medication on an empty stomach before breakfast. Drowsiness is a common side effect of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Avoid CNS depressants while taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
This medication is a 2nd generation antihistamine.
Paradoxical reactions can be seen with this medication.
Correct Answer : C,E
A. This medication (Benadryl) targets H2 receptors to alleviate symptoms: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is an H1 receptor antagonist, not an H2 antagonist. H1 receptors are primarily involved in allergic reactions, whereas H2 receptors are related to gastric acid secretion.
B. Take this medication on an empty stomach before breakfast. Drowsiness is a common side effect of diphenhydramine (Benadryl): While drowsiness is indeed a common side effect, taking diphenhydramine on an empty stomach is not necessarily required and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It can be taken with food if preferred.
C. Avoid CNS depressants while taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This is an important teaching point. Diphenhydramine can cause sedation, and the use of other CNS depressants (like alcohol or sedatives) can enhance this effect, increasing the risk of excessive drowsiness or other complications.
D. This medication is a 2nd generation antihistamine: This statement is incorrect. Diphenhydramine is actually a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and other side effects compared to second-generation antihistamines, which are less sedating.
E. Paradoxical reactions can be seen with this medication: This is true. In some individuals, particularly children, diphenhydramine can cause paradoxical reactions, such as increased excitability or hyperactivity, rather than the expected sedation. This is an important consideration to discuss with clients.
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 D
Explanation
A. Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, thus producing vascular constriction of capillaries in nasal mucosa: This describes the action of decongestants, not guaifenesin. Guaifenesin does not work by constricting blood vessels; rather, its primary function is to help manage mucus production.
B. Compete with histamine for receptor sites, thus preventing a histamine response and overall congestion: This mechanism is associated with antihistamines, which are used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions, not with guaifenesin. Guaifenesin does not block histamine but focuses on mucus management.
C. Treat allergic rhinitis and prevent motion sickness: While these are common uses for antihistamines, they do not apply to guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is primarily an expectorant and is not indicated for treating allergic rhinitis or motion sickness.
D. Loosen bronchial secretion to assist in elimination: Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant, promoting the clearance of mucus from the airways by loosening bronchial secretions. This facilitates easier expectoration of mucus, helping to relieve chest congestion associated with upper respiratory infections.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Palpitations: While palpitations can be concerning for many medications, they are not a commonly reported side effect of dextromethorphan. This medication primarily acts as a cough suppressant and does not typically have cardiovascular effects that would lead to palpitations. Therefore, clients should not primarily monitor for this side effect when taking dextromethorphan.
B) Hypertension: Dextromethorphan is not generally associated with causing hypertension. Its main action is to suppress the cough reflex, and it does not typically influence blood pressure levels. Patients taking this medication should focus on other side effects rather than worrying about hypertension.
C) Ataxia: Ataxia, or impaired coordination, is a notable adverse effect associated with dextromethorphan, especially at higher doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. This side effect can lead to dizziness and increased risk of falls or accidents, making it important for clients to be aware of their coordination and alertness levels while on this medication. Advising patients to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if they experience ataxia is essential for their safety.
D) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of dextromethorphan. The medication is primarily used for its antitussive properties, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea are generally not associated with its use. If patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms while taking this medication, they may need to consider other factors or medications that could be contributing to those symptoms.