What specific allergy symptoms should a nurse assess for before and during antihistamine therapy?
Explanation
A key nursing role is to assess the baseline symptoms that a medication is intended to treat and then monitor for improvement. For antihistamines used for allergies, the key symptoms are related to the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin.
Other questions
What is the primary mechanism of action for antihistamines?
In addition to treating allergies, what nonallergic condition is specifically mentioned as being treated by dimenhydrinate and meclizine?
What common property do most antihistamines possess, which can lead to side effects such as constipation and dry mouth?
The use of antihistamines is specifically contraindicated in which patient population?
What is the primary effect of using MAO inhibitors concurrently with antihistamines?
To help decrease the viscosity of bronchial secretions, what is the recommended daily fluid intake for a patient taking antihistamines?
For the prophylaxis of motion sickness, what is the preferred administration time for an antihistamine before exposure to precipitating conditions?
What advice should be given to a patient to help relieve the dryness of mouth caused by antihistamine use?
Which of the following is NOT listed in the text as an evaluation or desired outcome of antihistamine therapy?
Which two specific drugs are mentioned as examples of phenothiazines that have strong antihistaminic properties?
According to the 'General Action and Information' section, which of the following is something that antihistamines do NOT do?
The text states that antihistamines should be used cautiously in elderly patients because they are more susceptible to what?
In which of the following medical conditions does the 'Precautions' section recommend using antihistamines cautiously?
Concurrent use of antihistamines with which class of drugs can lead to additive sedation?
What is the primary safety instruction for patients regarding the potential for drowsiness caused by antihistamines?
Which specific antihistamine is mentioned in the 'General Use' section for its application in treating insomnia?
The use of antihistamines is contraindicated in patients with which specific type of glaucoma?
What is the primary interaction when alcohol is used concurrently with antihistamines?
When administering an antihistamine for a pruritic (itching) skin condition, what should the nurse specifically observe?
Antihistamines function by blocking the effects of histamine at which specific receptor site?
In addition to being used for insomnia, diphenhydramine is also used to treat which other nonallergic condition?
What does the text note about the antihistaminic properties of the phenothiazines hydroxyzine and promethazine?
What is the guideline for using antihistamines in patients who have cardiovascular disease?
According to the patient teaching section, what can patients use to help relieve the dry mouth associated with antihistamines?
What is the specific desired outcome when an antihistamine is used as a hypnotic agent?
What specific nursing implementation is recommended when administering antihistamines concurrently with opioid analgesics?
What is the minimum amount of time an antihistamine should be administered before exposure for prophylaxis of motion sickness?
Besides angle-closure glaucoma, what other condition is listed as a contraindication for antihistamine use?
The text warns that additive sedation can occur when antihistamines are used with other CNS depressants. Which of the following is listed as an example of such a drug class?
Why is it important for a nurse to assess lung sounds and maintain fluid intake in a patient taking antihistamines?
How are antihistamines utilized in the management of anaphylactic reactions?
Which of the following is identified in the text as a potential anticholinergic side effect of most antihistamines?
What is the general guideline for the use of antihistamines in pregnant and lactating women?
What instruction should be given to a patient if symptoms persist while taking an antihistamine?
When certain antihistamines are used for their antiemetic properties, what is the desired gastrointestinal outcome?
The 'General Action and Information' section clarifies that antihistamines block histamine at H1 receptors but do NOT block which of the following?
Why must antihistamines be used with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy?
According to the 'General Use' section, antihistamines provide relief of symptoms for which specific allergic conditions?
What is the general principle of the drug interaction between antihistamines and other CNS depressants?
For the most effective prophylaxis of motion sickness, what is the optimal administration time for an antihistamine before exposure?
In addition to good oral hygiene and frequent rinsing with water, what else does the patient teaching section suggest to help relieve dryness of the mouth?
Antihistamines are used as adjunctive therapy in which severe, systemic allergic reaction?
The 'General Action and Information' section indicates that, in addition to having anticholinergic properties, many antihistamines also cause what common CNS effect?
The use of antihistamines is explicitly contraindicated in which patient group?
The 'Precautions' section advises using antihistamines cautiously in patients with severe liver disease and which other specific condition of the upper gastrointestinal tract?
What is the primary reason patients taking antihistamines should be cautioned to avoid concurrent use of alcohol?
What is the purpose of maintaining a daily fluid intake of 1500 to 2000 mL when taking antihistamines?
If an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine is administered for anxiety, what is the expected desired outcome?
How do MAO inhibitors interact with antihistamines according to the provided text?