Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is taking diphenhydramine for insomnia and reports drowsiness. the nurse should identify that drowsiness indicates which of the following?

therapeutic effect

adverse reaction

contraindication

precaution

Explanation:

Diphenhydramine is used for insomnia. Drowsiness is the intended outcome (therapeutic effect) as it helps the client sleep. An adverse reaction would be an unintended harmful effect (e.g., severe allergic reaction not related to sleep - inducing property). A contraindication is a condition where the drug should not be used (e.g., client has a specific disease that makes diphenhydramine unsafe). A precaution is a warning (e.g., use with caution in elderly). Since drowsiness is the goal for insomnia treatment, it's a therapeutic effect.

Answer:

Therapeutic effect