The elderly client receives diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies. The nurse completes medication education and evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?

Question

1. "Drowsiness is common but should lessen within a few doses."
2. "If this medication makes my nose run, I can use a nasal spray."
3. "I need to watch my intake of sodium with this medication."
4. "I cannot take this medication with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Drowsiness is a common adverse effect of antihistamines. The client should develop a tolerance to this effect within a few doses.
Rationale 2: Antihistamines would dry the nasal secretions, not increase them.
Rationale 3: Sodium intake is not related to antihistamines.
Rationale 4: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is commonly used with antihistamines.
Global Rationale: Drowsiness is a common adverse effect of antihistamines. The client should develop a tolerance to this effect within a few doses. Antihistamines would dry the nasal secretions, not increase them. Sodium intake is not related to antihistamines. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is commonly used with antihistamines.