QLexNursing

🟢 The client’s symptoms (itchy watery eyes, sneezing, cough outdoors) with a known grass allergy are consistent with allergic rhinitis.

🟢 Allergic rhinitis is driven by histamine release after allergen exposure, causing itching, watery eyes, and sneezing.

🟢 Antihistamines block H1 receptors, reducing histamine-mediated symptoms like pruritus, rhinorrhea, and eye watering.

🟢 Giving an antihistamine targets the underlying mediator response and improves comfort during allergen exposure.

🟢 Teaching should include that first-generation antihistamines can cause sedation, so safety precautions may be needed during activities.

Expectorant:

🟢 Expectorants thin and loosen respiratory secretions for productive cough, not allergy-mediated itching/sneezing.

🟢They do not block the histamine response causing watery eyes and sneezing.

Antitussive:

🟢 Antitussives suppress the cough reflex and are not first-line for allergic rhinitis symptoms.

🟢 Suppressing cough does not treat the primary allergic mechanism and may mask symptoms.

Decongestant:

🟢Decongestants reduce nasal congestion through vasoconstriction, but they do not primarily relieve itchy watery eyes and sneezing.

🟢 They also carry cardiovascular risks, making antihistamines the more appropriate targeted option here.