You are caring for an older adult male client with prostate disease. He asks you if it is acceptable to take diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine, at night to help him sleep. What potential problem could result in a client with prostate disease when taking antihistamines?

Question

a. Urinary retention
b. Excitability
c. Rebound rhinitis
d. Insomnia

Answer 1

a. Urinary retention
FEEDBACK:
a. The anticholinergic effects of antihistamines in combination with known prostate disease place this client at extreme risk for acute urinary retention.
b. Although excitability may occur in some people when taking antihistamines, urinary retention is the best answer. .
c. Although rebound rhinitis may occur in some people when taking antihistamines, urinary retention is the best answer. .
d. Antihistamines generally have a sedating effect. Although insomnia may occur in some people when taking antihistamines, urinary retention is the best answer. .