Author Question: A patient is brought to the emergency department after ingesting a handful of diphenhydramine ... (Read 67 times)

audragclark · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is brought to the emergency department after ingesting a handful of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets. The patient has dilated pupils, a flushed face, and tremors.

The patient is agitated and has a heart rate of 110 beats per minute. The nurse may anticipate administering which agents? (Select all that apply.)
a. Activated charcoal
b. Cathartics
c. Diazepam
d. Phenytoin
e. Second-generation H1 antagonists

Question 2

Which parenteral antihistamines have sedative effects that are classified as low to none? (Select all that apply.)

a. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
b. Clemastine (Tavist Allergy)
c. Desloratadine (Clarinex)
d. Fexofenadine (Allegra)
e. Loratadine (Claritin)

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, D
The patient is showing signs of acute antihistamine toxicity. Activated charcoal and cathartics are given to absorb the drug and increase excretion. Phenytoin may be administered for seizures. Diazepam is contraindicated for seizures, because its CNS sedative effects can compound those of diphenhydramine. Second-generation antihistamines are not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, E
Desloratadine, fexofenadine, and loratadine all have sedative effects classified as low to none. Cetirizine and clemastine have moderate sedative effects.