Question

A client is taking cetirizine (Zyrtec). The nurse should inform the client of which side effect of this medication?

1) Diarrhea
2) Excitability
3) Drowsiness
4) Excess salivation

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that drowsiness is a common side effect of cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client is taking cetirizine (Zyrtec), the nurse should inform the client about potential side effects associated with this medication. Among the listed options, drowsiness is a common side effect of cetirizine, which is a second-generation antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.

Cetirizine works by blocking histamine, which the body produces during an allergic reaction. While this medication is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines, a considerable number of people still experience this effect. It is less likely to cause side effects such as diarrhea, excitability, or excess salivation, which are not as commonly linked to cetirizine.