Page 1622 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

3. Have medications for the treatment of severe
hypersensitivity reactions available during initial
administration in case anaphylaxis occurs.

D. Client education

1. That respiratory improvement will not be immediate
2. Not to stop taking or decrease the currently prescribed
asthma medications unless instructed
3. To avoid receiving live virus vaccines for the duration
of treatment
VIII. Antihistamines (Box 51-2)
A. Description
1. Called histamine antagonists or H blockers; these
1
medications compete with histamine for receptor
sites, thus preventing a histamine response.
2. When the H receptor is stimulated, the extravascular
1
smooth muscles, including those lining the nasal
cavity, are constricted.
3. Decrease nasopharyngeal, gastrointestinal, and
bronchial secretions by blocking the H receptor
1
4. Used for the common cold, rhinitis, nausea and
vomiting, motion sickness, urticaria, and as a sleep
aid

5. Can cause CNS depression if taken with

alcohol, opioids, hypnotics, or barbiturates,
particularly with first-generation antihistamines

6. Should be used with caution in clients with

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because of
their drying effect

7. Diphenhydramine has an anticholinergic effect

and should be avoided in clients with narrow-angle
glaucoma.
B. Side and adverse effects
1. Drowsiness and fatigue

2. Dizziness
3. Urinary retention
4. Blurred vision
5. Wheezing
6. Constipation
7. Dry mouth
8. Gastrointestinal irritation
9. Hypotension

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