Antihistamines are most effective when taken before exposure to an allergen.
Correct Answer
True
True. Antihistamines block histamine from binding to its receptors, so they work best when the receptors are occupied before an allergen triggers histamine release. They do less to reverse symptoms that are already underway.
Category: Antihistamine Use
Question 2
Taking more diphenhydramine than recommended can cause seizures and serious heart complications.
Correct Answer
True
True. Diphenhydramine overdose can cause seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, loss of consciousness and death. Clients should never exceed label directions or combine it with other sedating substances.
Category: First-Generation Antihistamines
Question 3
Chlorpheniramine is a second-generation antihistamine that rarely causes drowsiness.
Correct Answer
False
False. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses into the brain and commonly causes drowsiness. Second-generation drugs include cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine.
Category: First-Generation Antihistamines
Question 4
Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by first-generation antihistamines.
Correct Answer
True
True. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants increase the sedation of first-generation antihistamines, so clients should avoid combining them.
Category: First-Generation Antihistamines
Question 5
Diphenhydramine is a safe choice for a client who has trouble urinating because of an enlarged prostate.
Correct Answer
False
False. Diphenhydramine blocks muscarinic receptors and can cause urinary retention, so it is used with caution in a client with prostatic hyperplasia. The nurse monitors intake and output and teaches the client to report difficulty passing urine.
Category: First-Generation Antihistamines
Question 6
Oral pseudoephedrine is a safe decongestant for a client with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Correct Answer
False
False. Pseudoephedrine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors throughout the body, constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure and heart rate. A client with high blood pressure or heart disease checks with the provider before using it, and the nurse monitors blood pressure.
Category: Decongestants
Question 7
Headache is a common adverse effect of fexofenadine.
Correct Answer
True
True. Headache is among the most frequently reported adverse effects of fexofenadine, along with dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Sedation is uncommon.
Category: Second-Generation Antihistamines
Question 8
A cough suppressant is a good choice for a client whose cough brings up large amounts of thick sputum.
Correct Answer
False
False. A productive cough clears secretions from the airway, and suppressing it lets mucus pool and raises the risk of infection. Antitussives are meant for a dry, nonproductive cough, while fluids and an expectorant help a client bring up thick sputum.
Category: Nonopioid Antitussives
Question 9
Sugarless hard candy or gum can ease the dry mouth caused by antihistamines.
Correct Answer
True
True. Sugarless candy or lozenges, sugarless gum, frequent oral care and saliva substitutes relieve antihistamine-related dry mouth without raising the risk of tooth decay.
Category: Antihistamine Use
Question 10
Oral antihistamines for seasonal allergies work best when they are first taken after symptoms have become severe.
Correct Answer
False
False. Antihistamines block histamine receptors before histamine binds, so they work best when taken regularly during allergy season or before exposure to a known trigger. Once histamine has already produced severe swelling and congestion, they are less effective at reversing it.
Category: Second-Generation Antihistamines
Question 11
Nonopioid antitussives are used with caution in clients who are sedated or must stay lying flat.
Correct Answer
True
True. A client who is sedated or must remain supine may be unable to clear secretions from the airway, and suppressing the cough reflex makes that harder. The nurse assesses respiratory status and the ability to cough before giving the drug.
Category: Antitussives
Question 12
Using a humidifier dries the nasal passages and should be avoided during decongestant therapy.
Correct Answer
False
False. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps prevent the nasal dryness that decongestants can cause. Clients are also encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.
Category: Decongestants
Question 13
Benzonatate must be kept out of the reach of children because accidental ingestion can be fatal.
Correct Answer
True
True. Children who swallowed even a small number of benzonatate capsules have had seizures, cardiac arrest and death, so it must be stored safely away from children.
Category: Antitussives
Question 14
Dextromethorphan is an opioid antitussive that carries a high risk of respiratory depression.
Correct Answer
False
False. Dextromethorphan is classified as a nonopioid antitussive. At recommended doses it causes little central nervous system depression and does not carry the respiratory depression risk of opioid antitussives.
Category: Antitussives
Question 15
Clients taking benzonatate should promptly report confusion or hallucinations.
Correct Answer
True
True. Benzonatate has been linked to confusion, visual hallucinations and other unusual behavior, as well as rash and itching, and these effects should be reported right away.
Category: Antitussives
Question 16
Opioid antitussives commonly cause diarrhea.
Correct Answer
False
False. Opioids slow intestinal motility, so constipation, not diarrhea, is the common bowel effect. Clients are taught to drink fluids, eat fiber and stay active.
Category: Antitussives
Question 17
A cough that comes with a fever, a rash or a headache that will not go away should be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer
True
True. These findings can signal a more serious condition than a simple cough, so clients using a cough suppressant should stop and contact the provider if they occur.
Category: Antitussives
Question 18
Dornase alfa may be mixed with other inhaled drugs in the same nebulizer.
Correct Answer
False
False. Dornase alfa should not be diluted or mixed with other drugs in the nebulizer, because mixing can change the enzyme and its effect. Other inhaled drugs are given separately.
Category: Mucolytics
Question 19
Voice changes such as hoarseness are a common adverse effect of dornase alfa.
Correct Answer
True
True. Voice alteration is the most common adverse effect of dornase alfa, and hoarseness is one form of it. Clients should report any effect that is severe or does not go away.
Category: Mucolytics
Question 20
Acetylcysteine for thinning airway secretions is given only by intramuscular injection.
Correct Answer
False
False. To thin airway secretions, acetylcysteine is inhaled by nebulizer or instilled directly into the airway, such as through a tracheostomy. It is given orally or IV as the antidote for acetaminophen overdose, never as an intramuscular injection.
Category: Mucolytics