A patient was admitted with a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal ...

[HudsonKB16]

A patient was admitted with a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal bleed, the latest of several hospital admissions that have been attributed to his alcohol abuse. The addictions medicine specialist has prescribed disulfiram, which will
 
  A) prevent the patient from experiencing euphoria if he drinks alcohol.
  B) produce unpleasant reactions if the patient drinks alcohol.
  C) intensify the patient's CNS depression if he drinks alcohol.
  D) result in a depressed mood if he drinks alcohol.

Question 2

An adult patient has questioned whether fexofenadine (Allegra) would be preferable to the first-generation H1 receptor antagonists that he has long taken in the treatment of his environmental allergies.
 
  When describing the benefits of second-generation drugs such as Allegra, the nurse should cite what advantage? A) Lower cost
  B) Decreased sedation
  C) Absence of adverse effects
  D) Once-weekly dosing

[sultana.d]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Disulfiram inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase to block the oxidation of alcohol. The resulting accumulation of acetaldehyde produces an unpleasant reaction when disulfiram is consumed with alcohol. The effects do not include prevention of euphoria, increased CNS depression, or depressed mood, however.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Unlike the first-generation H1 receptor antagonists, the second-generation H1 receptor antagonists do not readily enter the brain from the blood. This selectivity significantly reduces the occurrence of adverse drug reactions, such as drowsiness and sedation, while still providing effective relief of allergic conditions. Adverse effects are not wholly absent, however. Duration of action is 12 to 24 hours, and these drugs are more expensive than first-generation drugs.

[HudsonKB16]

Thank you!

[sultana.d]

Always glad to help...