BASIC PHARMACOLOGY
These medications are used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
What are antibiotics?
A patient develops oral thrush after receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. Which class of medication would most likely be prescribed?
What are antifungal agents?
A patient taking an antibiotic develops severe, watery diarrhea. The nurse should be concerned about this potentially serious complication.
What is clostridium difficle?
A patient taking an antiviral is also taking several over-the-counter and herbal products. What is the nurse's priority?
assess for potential drug interactions.
A patient taking an antibiotic says, "I feel better, so I'm going to stop taking it." What is the nurse's best response?
Complete the medication exactly as prescribed unless the provider instructs otherwise.
This class of medication interferes with the ability of a virus to replicate and is commonly used to treat infections such as influenza, herpes, and HIV.
What are antiviral agents?
A patient is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection caused by susceptible bacteria. Which type of medication would the nurse anticipate?
What is an antibiotic?
A patient receiving a broad-spectrum antibiotic develops a rash, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. What potentially life-threatening reaction should the nurse suspect?
What is anaphylaxis?
A parent asks why tetracycline should not be given to a young child unless specifically directed by a provider.
What is permanent tooth discoloration and effects on bone development?
A patient is prescribed medication for a parasitic worm infection. The nurse explains that treatment may need to include household members and environmental measures depending on the organism. Why?
To prevent reinfection and transmission of the parasite.
This class targets fungi and may be used to treat conditions such as candidiasis and systemic fungal infections.
What are antifungal agents?
A patient has recurrent genital herpes. Which class of medication may be prescribed to suppress outbreaks?
What are antiviral agents?
A patient taking an aminoglycoside antibiotic reports ringing in the ears and difficulty hearing. What serious adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
What is ototoxicity?
A patient receiving an antifungal medication has a history of liver disease. Why should the nurse use caution?
Several systemic antifungal medications can cause hepatotoxicity
What should patients taking metronidazole avoid?
What is alcohol?
Metronidazole belongs to this class and is commonly used to treat infections caused by organisms such as Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia.
What are antiprotozoal agents?
A patient develops vaginal candidiasis. Which type of medication would the nurse expect to administer?
What is an antifungal agent?
A patient taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic reports sudden pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon. What adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
What is tendinitis/tendon rupture?
A patient taking an antibiotic develops hives and difficulty breathing.
What is the nurse's priority?
Stop the medication and initiate emergency/anaphylaxis management.
A child is being treated for pinworms. Besides administering the prescribed anthelmintic, what additional teaching is important?
Emphasize hand hygiene, keeping fingernails short, laundering bedding/clothing, and following treatment recommendations for household members to reduce reinfection and transmission.
These medications work against parasitic worms by interfering with their ability to survive or reproduce in the host.
What are anthelmintic agents?
A patient is diagnosed with giardiasis after drinking contaminated water while traveling. Which medication is commonly used?
Metronidazole
Class: Antiprotozoal
A patient taking a systemic antifungal reports yellowing of the skin, dark urine, and right upper quadrant discomfort. What serious adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
What is hepatotoxicity?
A patient prescribed ciprofloxacin reports taking an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium. What should the nurse teach?
Separate ciprofloxacin from aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids because they can significantly reduce absorption.
A patient taking metronidazole reports a metallic taste. What should the nurse teach?
A metallic taste is a common adverse effect