The nurse teaches the client with seasonal allergies that the most effective way to prevent allergy symptoms is to:

Question

1. take allergy medication before allergy season begins.
2. take allergy medication as soon as symptoms begin.
3. take as little allergy medication as possible so the body will not become sensitized to the medication.
4. take supplemental nonpharmacologic measures.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Taking allergy medication before allergy season begins prevents antihistamines and histamines from competing for receptors.
Rationale 2: Taking allergy medication when symptoms have already begun results in antihistamines competing with histamines for receptors.
Rationale 3: Taking the least amount of allergy medication that relieves symptoms is a good idea, but the body does not become sensitized to allergy medications.
Rationale 4: Taking supplemental nonpharmacologic measures is helpful for decreasing, but not preventing, allergies.
Global Rationale: Antihistamines are most effective when taken prophylactically to prevent allergic symptoms. Their effectiveness in reversing allergic symptoms that have already manifested is limited. This is because antihistamines block the effect of histamine at its receptor sites. They do not prevent the release of histamine from mast cells. Taking supplemental nonpharmacologic measures is helpful for decreasing, but not preventing, allergies.