Author Question: The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the nurse that they are planning to give their child ... (Read 76 times)

ARLKQ · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the nurse that they are planning to give their child diphenhydramine (Benadryl) on a flight to visit the child's grandparents to help the child sleep during the flight.

What will the nurse tell the parents about giving this drug?
a. Administer 25 mg of diphenhydramine when using to induce sleep.
b. Diphenhydramine may have the opposite effect and could cause agitation.
c. Give the diphenhydramine about 5 minutes prior to takeoff.
d. Loratadine should be used instead of diphenhydramine to minimize side effects.

Question 2

The patient who has nasal congestion asks the nurse to recommend a decongestant medication. The nurse performs a medication history and learns that the patient takes a beta blocker to treat hypertension.

Which over-the-counter product will the nurse recommend?
a. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
b. Ephedrine HCl (Pretz-D)
c. Phenylephrine nasal (NeoSynephrine Nasal)
d. Loratadine (Claritin)

kthug · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Diphenhydramine can cause excitation in some children. Parents should be advised to expect this possible side effect. The correct dose of diphenhydramine for children at this age is 6.25 mg; 25 mg would be an overdose. Oral diphenhydramine has an onset of 15 to 45 minutes. Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine and does not cause drowsiness.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
NeoSynephrine Nasal is a topical decongestant and causes less systemic side effects than ephedrine, which should not be given with beta blockers. Diphenhydramine and loratadine are antihistamines, not decongestants.