Question

A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who is to undergo allergy testing. The nurse should instruct the client to discontinue which of the following medications before the testing?

A. Ibuprofen
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Prednisone
D. Loratadine

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to discontinue antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine and Loratadine before allergy testing to ensure accurate results.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse instructing a client who is to undergo allergy testing should advise the patient to discontinue medications that might interfere with the test results. Antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine and Loratadine should be stopped prior to allergy testing because antihistamines prevent mast cells from releasing histamines or block the action of histamines, thus suppressing allergic symptoms.

During allergy testing, it is important to see the body's natural response to allergens, which would be masked if antihistamines were present in the body. Mast cells play a pivotal role in allergic reactions as they release histamine, which leads to the symptoms experienced during an allergic response. Stopping medications like Diphenhydramine (an over-the-counter antihistamine) and Loratadine (a non-sedating antihistamine) is crucial for accurate test results.