# A nurse teaches a client newly prescribed loratadine 10 mg daily for seasonal allergies. Which client statement indicates effective teaching?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=391789&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A nurse teaches a client newly prescribed loratadine 10 mg daily for seasonal allergies. Which client statement indicates effective teaching?

## Option

1. "I will use this medication only when I have a severe rash."
2. "I should drink alcohol to enhance the effect."
3. "I can take this medication daily without significant drowsiness." **✔ Correct answer**
4. "I will avoid driving for the next several hours after taking this."

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Correct (2): Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine with minimal CNS penetration and minimal sedation — safe for drivers, pilots, and operators of heavy equipment. (1) Sedation is uncommon. (3) Alcohol unnecessary and can compound any mild sedation. (4) Loratadine is for daily allergy control, not PRN rash.

## In-depth explanation

Memory Tip 2nd-gen antihistamine = "Non-sedating, no anticholinergic, once-daily" — loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, levocetirizine. Cetirizine slightly more sedating than loratadine/fexofenadine.

## Clinical scenario

Scenario 32-year-old commercial truck driver with seasonal allergic rhinitis starting loratadine 10 mg PO daily. Receiving outpatient teaching.

## Key concepts

- **Second-generation antihistamine** — Selective peripheral H1 antagonist with low BBB penetration; loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine.
- **Allergic rhinitis** — Sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching, congestion from environmental allergens; 2nd-gen antihistamines are first-line.
- **Sedation comparison** — Diphenhydramine > hydroxyzine > cetirizine > loratadine/fexofenadine in sedation potential.

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