A nursing instructor is teaching a group of nursing students about antihistamines. Which statement by a student indicates an understanding of the mechanism of action of the antihistamines?

Antihistamines primarily work by blocking the H1 receptors, which are the receptors responsible for mediating the actions of histamine in the body. By blocking these receptors, antihistamines prevent or reduce the effects of histamine, such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. This is the main mechanism by which antihistamines provide their therapeutic effects. "Antihistamines block release of histamine from mast cells and basophils." This statement is incorrect. Antihistamines do not block the release of histamine; instead, they block the histamine receptors to prevent the effects of histamine. "H1 antagonists can bind to H1 receptors, H2 receptors, and muscarinic receptors." This statement is incorrect. H1 antagonists, or H1 receptor blockers, specifically bind to H1 receptors and do not have significant affinity for H2 receptors or muscarinic receptors. "First-generation antihistamines are more selective than second-generation antihistamines." This statement is incorrect. First-generation antihistamines are generally less selective and can have more sedating and anticholinergic effects compared to second-generation antihistamines, which are designed to be more selective for H1 receptors and have reduced sedative properties.