Pharm Week 7
A patient is admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia after complaining of high fever and shortness of breath. The patient was not able to produce sputum for a culture. The nurse will expect the patient's provider to order a broad-spectrum antibiotic. b. a narrow-spectrum antibiotic. c. multiple antibiotics. d. the pneumococcal vaccine.
ANS: A Broad-spectrum antibiotics are frequently used to treat infections when the offending organism has not been identified by culture and sensitivity (C&S). Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are usually effective against one type of organism and are used when the C&S indicates sensitivity to that antibiotic. The use of multiple antibiotics, unless indicated by C&S, can increase resistance. The pneumococcal vaccine is used to prevent, not treat, an infection.
A patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin. Which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely? a. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests b. Complete blood count and electrolytes c. Serum calcium and magnesium d. Serum glucose and lipids
ANS: A Cefazolin will produce an increase in the patient's BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a high dose of tetracycline (Sumycin). Which laboratory values will the nurse expect to monitor while caring for this patient? a. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels b. Complete blood counts c. Electrolytes d. Liver enzyme levels
ANS: A High doses of tetracyclines can lead to nephrotoxicity, especially when given along with other nephrotoxic drugs. Renal function tests should be performed to monitor for nephrotoxicity.
The nurse is counseling a patient who will begin taking a sulfonamide drug to treat a urinary tract infection. What information will the nurse include in teaching? a. "Drink several quarts of water daily." b. "If stomach upset occurs, take an antacid." c. "This is a safe drug to take while pregnant." d. "Sore throat is a common, harmless side effect."
ANS: A Patients should drink several quarts of water daily while taking sulfonamides to prevent crystalluria. Patients should not take antacids with sulfonamides. Sulfonamides should be avoided during pregnancy to avoid congenital malformations, neural tube defects, and kernicterus. Sore throat should be reported.
Which is a characteristic that distinguishes sulfonamides from other drugs used to treat bacterial infection? a. Sulfonamides are bactericidal. b. Sulfonamides are not derived from biologic substances. c. Sulfonamides have antifungal and antiviral properties. d. Sulfonamides increase bacterial synthesis of folic acid.
ANS: B Sulfonamides are not derived from biologic substances. They are bacteriostatic, not bactericidal. They are not antifungals or antivirals. They act by decreasing bacterial synthesis of folic acid.
A patient who will begin taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP--SMX) asks the nurse why the combination drug is necessary. The nurse will explain that the combination is used to a. broaden the antibacterial spectrum. b. decrease bacterial resistance. c. improve the taste. d. minimize toxic effects.
ANS: B The combination drug is used to decrease bacterial resistance to sulfonamides. It does not broaden the spectrum, improve the taste, or decrease toxicity.
The nurse is caring for a patient who will begin taking doxycycline to treat an infection. The nurse should plan to give this medication a. 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. b. with an antacid to minimize GI irritation. c. with food to improve absorption. d. with small sips of water.
ANS: C Doxycycline is a lipid-soluble tetracycline and is better absorbed when taken with milk products and food. It should not be taken on an empty stomach. Antacids impair absorption of tetracyclines. Small sips of water are not necessarily indicated.
The nurse is caring for several patients who are receiving antibiotics. Which order will the nurse question? a. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg IV in 500 mL fluid b. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg PO once daily c. Erythromycin 300 mg IM QID d. Erythromycin 300 mg PO QID
ANS: C Erythromycin and other macrolides should not be given intramuscularly because they cause painful tissue irritation.
A patient is diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia. Which antibiotic will the nurse expect the provider to order to treat this infection? a. Azithromycin (Zithromax) b. Clarithromycin (Biaxin) c. Erythromycin (E-Mycin) d. Fidaxomicin (Dificid)
ANS: C Erythromycin is the drug of choice for treating mycoplasma pneumonia
The nurse is reviewing a patient's chart prior to administering gentamicin (Garamycin) and notes that the last serum peak drug level was 9 mcg/mL and the last trough level was 2 mcg/mL. What action will the nurse take? a. Administer the next dose as ordered. b. Obtain repeat peak and trough levels before giving the next dose. c. Report possible drug toxicity to the patient's provider. d. Report a decreased drug therapeutic level to the patient's provider.
ANS: C Gentamicin peak values should be 5 to 8 mcg/mL, and trough levels should be 0.5 to 2 mcg/mL. Peak levels give information about whether or not a drug is at toxic levels, while trough levels indicate whether a therapeutic level is maintained. This drug is at a toxic level, and the next dose should not be given.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection. The patient is also taking acetaminophen for pain. The nurse should expect to review which lab values when monitoring for this drug's side effects? A. Complete blood counts b. Electrolytes c. Liver enzymes d. Urinalysis
ANS: C High doses of macrolides, when taken with other, potentially hepatotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen may cause hepatotoxicity, so liver enzymes should be carefully monitored.
The nurse is preparing to administer clarithromycin to a patient. When performing a medication history, the nurse learns that the patient takes warfarin to treat atrial fibrillation. The nurse will perform which action? a. Ask the provider if azithromycin may be used instead of clarithromycin. b. Obtain an order for continuous cardiovascular monitoring. c. Request an order for periodic serum warfarin levels. d. Withhold the clarithromycin and notify the provider.
ANS: C Macrolides can increase serum levels of other drugs such as warfarin. If these drugs are used with macrolides, serum drug levels should be monitored. All macrolides have this drug interaction. Cardiovascular monitoring is not indicated. The drug may be given as long as serum drug levels are monitored.
The nurse is teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin (Amoxil) twice daily for 10 days. Which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "Discontinue the antibiotic when your temperature returns to normal and your symptoms have improved." b. "If diarrhea occurs, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your provider." c. "Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug." d. "You may save any unused antibiotic to use if your symptoms recur."
ANS: C Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
The nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin (Amoxil) to a patient and learns that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking penicillin. Which action will the nurse take? a. Administer the amoxicillin and have epinephrine available. b. Ask the provider to order an antihistamine. c. Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic. d. Request an order for a beta-lactamase resistant drug.
ANS: C Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic reactions, depending on severity.
A female patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) (Bactrim, Septra) to treat a urinary tract infection reports vaginal itching and discharge. The nurse will perform which action? a. Ask the patient if she might be pregnant. b. Reassure the patient that this is a normal side effect. c. Report a possible superinfection to the provider. d. Suspect that the patient is having a hematologic reaction.
ANS: C Superinfection can occur with a secondary infection. Vaginal itching and discharge is a sign of superinfection. This is not symptomatic of pregnancy. These are not common side effects and do not indicate a hematologic reaction.
The nurse is preparing to administer trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to a patient who is being treated for a urinary tract infection. The nurse learns that the patient has type 2 diabetes mellitus and takes a sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic drug. The nurse will monitor this patient closely for which effect? a. Headaches b. Hypertension c. Hypoglycemia d. Superinfection
ANS: C Taking oral antidiabetic agents (sulfonylurea) with sulfonamides increases the hypoglycemic effect. Sulfonylureas do not increase the incidence of headaches, hypertension, or superinfection when taken with sulfonamides. Examples of antidiabetic sulfonylurea medications are glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, tolazamide, and tolbutamide.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving sulfadiazine. The nurse knows that this patient's daily fluid intake should be at least which amount? a. 1000 mL/day b. 1200 mL/day c. 2000 mL/day d. 2400 mL/day
ANS: C To prevent crystalluria, patients should consume at least 2000 mL/day.
A female patient who is allergic to penicillin will begin taking an antibiotic to treat a lower respiratory tract infection. The patient tells the nurse that she almost always develops a vaginal yeast infection when she takes antibiotics and that she will take fluconazole (Diflucan) with the antibiotic being prescribed. Which macrolide order would the nurse question for this patient? A. Azithromycin (Zithromax) b. Clarithromycin (Biaxin) c. Erythromycin (E-Mycin) d. Fidaxomicin (Dificid)
ANS: C When erythromycin is given concurrently with fluconazole, erythromycin blood concentration and the risk of sudden cardiac death increase.
A patient will begin taking amoxicillin. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which foods? a. Green leafy vegetables b. Beef and other red meat c. Coffee, tea, and colas d. Acidic fruits and juices
ANS: D Acidic fruits and juices should be avoided while the client is being treated with amoxicillin because amoxicillin can be irritating to the stomach. Stomach irritation will be increased with the ingestion of citrus and acidic foods. Amoxicillin may also be less effective when taken with acidic fruit or juice.
The nurse is preparing to give trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to a patient and notes a petechial rash on the patient's extremities. The nurse will perform which action? a. Hold the dose and notify the provider. b. Request an order for a blood glucose level. c. Request an order for a BUN and creatinine level. d. Request an order for diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
ANS: A A petechial rash can indicate a severe adverse reaction and should be reported.
The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient. When reviewing the patient's chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin. What is the nurse's next action? A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions. b. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used. c. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity. d. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin
ANS: A A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of delivery of cephalosporins.
The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient. When reviewing the patient's chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin. What is the nurse's next action? a. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions. b. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used. c. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity. d. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin
ANS: A A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of delivery of cephalosporins.
The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient. When reviewing the patient's chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin. What is the nurse's next action? a. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions. b. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used. c. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity. d. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin.
ANS: A A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of delivery of cephalosporins.
A patient taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to treat a urinary tract infection complains of a sore throat. The nurse will contact the provider to request an order for which laboratory test(s)? a. Complete blood count with differential b. Throat culture c. Urinalysis d. Coagulation studies
ANS: A A sore throat can indicate a life-threatening anemia, so a complete blood count with differential should be ordered.
The nurse provides home-care instructions for a patient who will take a high dose of azithromycin after discharge from the hospital. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching? a. "I may take antacids 2 hours before taking this drug." b. "I should take acetaminophen for fever or mild pain." c. "I should expect diarrhea to be a common, mild side effect." d. "I should avoid dairy products while taking this drug."
ANS: A Azithromycin peak levels may be reduced by antacids when taken at the same time, so patients should be cautioned to take antacids 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the drug. High-dose azithromycin carries a risk for hepatotoxicity when taken with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen. Diarrhea may indicate pseudomembranous colitis and should be reported. There is no restriction for dairy products when taking azithromycin.
The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will begin taking a cephalosporin to treat an infection. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I may stop taking the medication if my symptoms clear up." b. "I should eat yogurt while taking this medication." c. "I should stop taking the drug and call my provider if I develop a rash." d. "I will not consume alcohol while taking this medication."
ANS: A Patients should take all of an antibiotic regimen even after symptoms clear to ensure complete treatment of the infection. Patients are often advised to eat yogurt or drink buttermilk to prevent superinfection. A rash is a sign of hypersensitivity, and patients should be counseled to stop taking the drug and notify the provider if this occurs. Alcohol consumption may cause adverse effects and should be avoided by patients while they are taking cephalosporins.
Which actions can contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics? (Select all that apply.) a. Frequent use of antibiotics b. Giving large doses of antibiotics c. Skipping doses d. Taking a full course of antibiotics e. Treating viral infections with antibiotics
ANS: A, C, E Frequent use of antibiotics increases the exposure of bacteria to an antibiotic and results in acquired resistance. Skipping doses of an antibiotic can lead to incomplete treatment of an infection, and the remaining bacteria may develop acquired resistance. Treating viral infections with antibiotics is unnecessary and may cause acquired resistance to develop from unneeded exposure to a drug. Infections adequately treated with an antibiotic do not result in resistance.
The nurse assumes care for a patient who is currently receiving a dose of intravenous vancomycin (Vancocin) infusing at 20 mg/min. The nurse notes red blotches on the patient's face, neck, and chest and assesses a blood pressure of 80/55 mm Hg. Which action will the nurse take? A. Request an order for IV epinephrine to treat anaphylactic shock. b. Slow the infusion to 10 mg/min and observe the patient closely. c. Stop the infusion and obtain an order for a BUN and serum creatinine. d. Suspect Stevens-Johnson syndrome and notify the provider immediately.
ANS: B When vancomycin is infused too rapidly, "red man" syndrome may occur; the rate should be 10 mg/min to prevent this. This is a toxic reaction, not an allergic one, so epinephrine is not indicated. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is characterized by a rash and fever. Red man syndrome is not related to renal function.
A patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) calls to report developing an all-over rash. The nurse will instruct the patient to perform which action? a. Increase fluid intake. b. Take diphenhydramine. c. Stop taking TMP-SMX immediately. d. Continue taking the medication.
ANS: C A rash can indicate a serious drug reaction. Patients should stop taking the drug immediately and notify the provider.
The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient who is receiving gentamicin (Garamycin) 85 mg 4 times daily. The patient reports experiencing ringing in the ears. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss a. decreasing the dose to 50 mg QID. b. giving the dose 3 times daily. c. obtaining a serum drug level. d. ordering a hearing test.
ANS: C Aminoglycosides can cause ototoxicity. Any changes in hearing should be reported to the provider so that serum drug levels can be monitored. The dose is correct for this patient's weight (5 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses). A hearing test is not indicated unless changes in hearing persist.
The nurse is preparing to give a dose of oral clindamycin (Cleocin) to a patient who is being treated for a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The patient has had several doses of the medication and reports having nausea. Which action will the nurse take next? a. Administer the next dose when the patient has an empty stomach. b. Hold the next dose and contact the patient's provider. c. Instruct the patient to take the next dose with a full glass of water. d. Request an order for an antacid to give along with the next dose.
ANS: C Clindamycin should be taken with a full glass of water to minimize gastrointestinal (GI) irritation such as nausea, vomiting, and stomatitis. Giving the medication on an empty stomach will increase the likelihood of GI upset. It is not necessary to hold the next dose or to give an antacid.
The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous gentamicin to an infant through an intermittent needle. The nurse notes that the infant has not had a wet diaper for several hours. The nurse will perform which action? a. Administer the medication and give the infant extra oral fluids. b. Contact the provider to request adding intravenous fluids when giving the medication. c. Give the medication and obtain a serum peak drug level 45 minutes after the dose. d. Hold the dose and contact the provider to request a serum trough drug level.
ANS: D Gentamicin can cause nephrotoxicity. When changes in urine output occur, the provider should be notified, and serum trough levels should be obtained to make sure the drug is not at a toxic level. If the drug level is determined to be safe, giving extra fluids either orally or intravenously may be indicated. Serum peak levels give information about therapeutic levels but are not a substitution for avoiding nephrotoxicity in the face of possible oliguria.
The nurse is preparing to begin a medication regimen for a patient who will receive intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin. Which is an important nursing action? a. Administer each antibiotic to infuse over 15 to 20 minutes. b. Order serum peak and trough levels of ampicillin. c. Prepare the schedule so that the drugs are given at the same time. d. Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with the drug name and date.
ANS: D Intravenous aminoglycosides can be given with penicillins and cephalosporins but should not be mixed in the same container. The IV line should be flushed between antibiotics, or separate tubing sets may be set up. Gentamicin must be infused over 30 to 60 minutes. It is not necessary to measure ampicillin peak and trough levels. Giving the drugs at the same time increases the risk of mixing them together.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an intravenous antibiotic. The nurse notes that the provider has ordered serum drug peak and trough levels. The nurse understands that these tests are necessary for which type of drugs? a. Drugs with a broad spectrum b. Drugs with a narrow spectrum c. Drugs with a broad therapeutic index d. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
ANS: D Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and trough levels.
The patient will begin taking penicillin G procaine (Wycillin). The nurse notes that the solution is milky in color. What action will the nurse take? a. Call the pharmacist and report the milky color. b. Add normal saline to dilute the medication. c. Call the physician and report the milky appearance. d. Administer the medication as ordered by the physician.
ANS: D Penicillin G procaine (Wycillin) has a milky appearance; therefore, the appearance should not concern the nurse.
The nurse is preparing to give a dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and learns that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse will request an order for a. a decreased dose of TMP-SMX. b. a different antibiotic. c. an increased dose of warfarin. d. coagulation studies.
ANS: D Sulfonamides can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. The nurse should request INR levels. An increased dose of warfarin would likely lead to toxicity and to undesirable anticoagulation.
The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old patient who will receive oral antibiotics. Which antibiotic order will the nurse question for this patient? a. Azithromycin (Zithromax) b. Clarithromycin (Biaxin) c. Clindamycin (Cleocin) d. Tetracycline (Sumycin)
ANS: D Tetracyclines should not be given to children younger than 8 years of age because they irreversibly discolor the permanent teeth.
A female patient will receive doxycycline to treat a sexually transmitted illness (STI). What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient about this medication? a. Nausea and vomiting are uncommon adverse effects. b. The drug may cause possible teratogenic effects. c. Increase intake of dairy products with each dose of this medication. d. Use a back-up method of contraception if taking oral contraceptives.
ANS: D The desired action of oral contraceptives can be lessened when taken with tetracyclines, so patients taking oral contraceptives should be advised to use a back-up contraception method while taking tetracyclines. Nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects. Doxycycline should not be taken with dairy products. Tetracycline may cause teratogenic effects.
The nurse is preparing to give a dose of a cephalosporin medication to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 2 weeks. The nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa. Which action will the nurse take? a. Hold the drug and notify the provider. b. Obtain an order to culture the oral lesions. c. Gather emergency equipment to prepare for anaphylaxis. d. Report a possible superinfection side effect of the cephalosporin
ANS: D The patient's symptoms may indicate a superinfection and should be reported to the physician so it can be treated; however, the drug does not need to be held. It is not necessary to culture the lesions. The symptoms do not indicate impending anaphylaxis.
The nurse is preparing to give a dose of a cephalosporin medication to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 2 weeks. The nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa. Which action will the nurse take? a. Hold the drug and notify the provider. b. Obtain an order to culture the oral lesions. c. Gather emergency equipment to prepare for anaphylaxis. d. Report a possible superinfection side effect of the cephalosporin.
ANS: D The patient's symptoms may indicate a superinfection and should be reported to the physician so it can be treated; however, the drug does not need to be held. It is not necessary to culture the lesions. The symptoms do not indicate impending anaphylaxis.
The nurse is preparing to administer an antibiotic to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 2 days after a culture was obtained. The nurse notes increased erythema and swelling, and the patient has a persistent high fever of 39° C. What is the nurse's next action? a. Administer the antibiotic as ordered. b. Contact the provider to request another culture. c. Discuss the need to add a second antibiotic with the provider. d. Review the sensitivity results from the patient's culture.
ANS: D The sensitivity results from the patient's culture will reveal whether the organism is sensitive or resistant to a particular antibiotic. The patient is not responding to the antibiotic being given, so the antibiotic should be held and the provider notified. Another culture is not indicated. Antibiotics should be added only when indicated by the sensitivity.
