The nurse is teaching a patient about the administration of antihistamines. The nurse will instruct the patient to take the medication at what time of day?
a. PRN throughout the day
b. After contact with an allergen
c. 45 minutes before exposure to an allergen
d. Once nasal congestion begins
ANS: C
Allergies may be seasonal or perennial. People are commonly allergic to more than one antigen simultaneously, so seasons may overlap or occur more than once per year. Antihistamines do not prevent histamine release but reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction by competing with the histamines for receptor sites. Antihistamines are most effective when taken 45 to 60 minutes before anticipated exposure to the allergen or when symptoms first appear. PRN use of antihistamines, waiting until after contact with an allergen, or waiting until nasal congestion begins is not the most effective administration of antihistamines.
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