Author Question: A client with allergic rhinitis is prescribed an antihistamine. The nurse instructs the client to ... (Read 159 times)

plus1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client with allergic rhinitis is prescribed an antihistamine. The nurse instructs the client to suck on sugarless hard candy to address which of the following?

A) Drowsiness and sedation
B) Thickening of the bronchial secretions
C) Altered sensation of taste
D) Dryness of the oral mucosa and the throat

Question 2

A client has been prescribed a decongestant drug for congestion associated with rhinitis. When teaching the client about this drug, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible adverse reaction?

A) Decreased pulse rate
B) Blurred vision
C) Drowsiness
D) Dryness of throat

bfulkerson77 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
The nurse should instruct the client to suck on a sugarless hard candy to prevent dryness of the oral mucosa and the throat, which is a side effect of antihistamine therapy. Sucking on candy does not relieve drowsiness, sedation, and thickening of the bronchial mucosa seen with antihistamine therapy. Altered sense of taste does not occur with most antihistamines.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
The nurse should inform the client that blurred vision is a possible adverse reaction of decongestant drugs. Additionally, an increased and not decreased pulse rate may also be seen. Drowsiness is not seen with decongestant usage. Dryness of the nasal mucosa and not the throat may be seen with decongestant drugs, which are used mostly as topical sprays and drops.