Chapter 08: Drugs for Allergy and Respiratory Problems
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient with allergies has been prescribed an antihistamine. Which response by the patient
demonstrates understanding of the action of antihistamine drugs?
a. “Antihistamines act by blocking histamine receptors in tissues.”
b. “Antihistamines act by increasing dilation of blood vessels.”
c. “Antihistamines act by blocking the release of histamine.”
d. “Antihistamines act by increasing the production of acetylcholine.” ANS: A
Antihistamines do not block the release of histamine, but rather, block histamine receptors in
target tissues which in turn limit the blood vessel vasodilation, capillary leak, swelling, and
bronchoconstriction.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 115
2. An older adult patient with glaucoma reports taking an antihistamine for allergy symptoms.
What adverse effect of antihistamines would you alert this patient about?
a. Ototoxicity
b. Ocular “floaters”
c. Excessive tearing
d. Increased intraocular pressure ANS: D
A rising intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) in patients with glaucoma can worsen the
disease and could cause blindness.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 118
, 3. A 43-year-old male patient with hypertension has stated that he is taking an over-the-
counter antihistamine every day for seasonally allergies. In reviewing all the drugs this patient is
taking, what statement should be included in his teaching plan?
a. “Take your antihistamine 2 hours before your other prescription drugs.”
b. “Antihistamines can cause your blood pressure to rise.”
c. “Antihistamines can cause a slowing of the pulse rate.”
d. “Antihistamines must be taken at the same time as antihypertensives.” ANS: B
A rise in blood pressure is an adverse action of antihistamines. Patients should be instructed to
report all OTC drugs to their healthcare providers, as adverse interactions can occur.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 118
4. A patient taking a decongestant for seasonal allergies asks you to explain how a
decongestant works. What is your best response?
a. “Decongestants act by decreasing inflammation within the respiratory tract.”
b. “Decongestants act in the respiratory tract to decrease mast cell activity.”
c. “Decongestants reduce allergy symptoms, but to not reduce inflammation.”
d. “Decongestants act by reducing the immune response of lymphocytes.” ANS: C
Decongestants are a class of drugs that are used to control the symptoms associated with allergy.
They have no anti-inflammatory action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 115
5. An adolescent with asthma is taking an inhaled anti-inflammatory drug and asks you what
side effects can be expected with this inhaled drug. What is your best response?
a. “You may experience some mild anemia with this drug.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient with allergies has been prescribed an antihistamine. Which response by the patient
demonstrates understanding of the action of antihistamine drugs?
a. “Antihistamines act by blocking histamine receptors in tissues.”
b. “Antihistamines act by increasing dilation of blood vessels.”
c. “Antihistamines act by blocking the release of histamine.”
d. “Antihistamines act by increasing the production of acetylcholine.” ANS: A
Antihistamines do not block the release of histamine, but rather, block histamine receptors in
target tissues which in turn limit the blood vessel vasodilation, capillary leak, swelling, and
bronchoconstriction.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 115
2. An older adult patient with glaucoma reports taking an antihistamine for allergy symptoms.
What adverse effect of antihistamines would you alert this patient about?
a. Ototoxicity
b. Ocular “floaters”
c. Excessive tearing
d. Increased intraocular pressure ANS: D
A rising intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) in patients with glaucoma can worsen the
disease and could cause blindness.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 118
, 3. A 43-year-old male patient with hypertension has stated that he is taking an over-the-
counter antihistamine every day for seasonally allergies. In reviewing all the drugs this patient is
taking, what statement should be included in his teaching plan?
a. “Take your antihistamine 2 hours before your other prescription drugs.”
b. “Antihistamines can cause your blood pressure to rise.”
c. “Antihistamines can cause a slowing of the pulse rate.”
d. “Antihistamines must be taken at the same time as antihypertensives.” ANS: B
A rise in blood pressure is an adverse action of antihistamines. Patients should be instructed to
report all OTC drugs to their healthcare providers, as adverse interactions can occur.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 118
4. A patient taking a decongestant for seasonal allergies asks you to explain how a
decongestant works. What is your best response?
a. “Decongestants act by decreasing inflammation within the respiratory tract.”
b. “Decongestants act in the respiratory tract to decrease mast cell activity.”
c. “Decongestants reduce allergy symptoms, but to not reduce inflammation.”
d. “Decongestants act by reducing the immune response of lymphocytes.” ANS: C
Decongestants are a class of drugs that are used to control the symptoms associated with allergy.
They have no anti-inflammatory action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 115
5. An adolescent with asthma is taking an inhaled anti-inflammatory drug and asks you what
side effects can be expected with this inhaled drug. What is your best response?
a. “You may experience some mild anemia with this drug.”
