A patient who has seasonal allergies with a runny nose during the daytime reports increasing nighttime symptoms of coughing and sneezing that are interfering with sleep. The provider recommends diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at bedtime
What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication?
a. "Avoid fluids at bedtime to prevent urinary retention."
b. "This will help clear your daytime symptoms, too."
c. "You should be able to sleep better when you take this medication."
d. "You should take this medication on an empty stomach."
ANS: C
A side effect of diphenhydramine is drowsiness. Patients whose nighttime symptoms clear should be able to sleep better, especially with drowsiness side effects. Avoiding fluids does not prevent urinary retention. The half-life of diphenhydramine is short, so drug effects will not last through the next day. There is no need to take the medication on an empty stomach.
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