Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed diphenhydramine to relieve pruritis. The client asks the nurse how he can minimize the daytime sedation he is experiencing. What should the nurse teach?

Answer 1

To minimize daytime sedation from diphenhydramine, take it at nighttime, avoid CNS depressants, use the lowest effective dose, and consider non-pharmacological measures for itch relief.

Step-by-step explanation:

To minimize daytime sedation caused by diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine prescribed to relieve pruritus, a nurse should advise the client on several strategies. These include taking the drug at nighttime, as its sedative effects are less disruptive then. If daytime use is necessary, the client should start with the lowest effective dose and increase as needed, ensuring not to exceed the recommended dosage. The nurse should also advise the client to avoid other central nervous system depressants, like alcohol, and caution should be taken when engaging in activities that require mental alertness. Additionally, the nurse can suggest non-pharmacological measures for relieving itch, such as using moisturizers, cool baths, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. It's also advisable to discuss the sedation issues with the prescribing physician, as there might be alternative medications with less sedative properties.