Toxicities
This antibiotic can cause “Red Man Syndrome” when infused too quickly.
Vancomycin
Before starting a cephalosporin, the nurse should first obtain this test.
A culture and sensitivity
Patients taking sulfonamides should increase this to prevent crystalluria.
fluid intake/water
I treat MRSA and require slow IV administration.
vancomycin
This GI complication may occur after prolonged antibiotic use and causes severe diarrhea.
C. difficile/pseudomembranous colitis
This antibiotic class is most associated with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Aminoglycosides
The priority assessment before administering penicillin is checking for this.
Allergy History
Patients taking tetracyclines should avoid taking the medication with this.
dairy products
I belong to the beta-lactam family, may have cross-sensitivity with penicillin allergies, and my generic name often begins with ‘cef.’
cephalosporins
This fungal infection may occur after antibiotic therapy and causes white patches in the mouth.
oral thrush/candidiasis
This severe skin reaction may occur with sulfonamides and causes blistering skin lesions.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
This lab value is especially important to monitor with vancomycin and aminoglycosides.
Renal function/creatinine/BUN
This urinary medication commonly turns urine orange.
Phenazopyridine
I’m a sulfa drug often combined with trimethoprim.
sulfamethoxazole
This antifungal medication is commonly used for oral thrush.
nystatin
This tetracycline complication is a problem for children’s teeth.
Yellow-gray-brown tooth discoloration
A patient develops wheezing and lip swelling after IV antibiotics. This is the nurse’s FIRST action.
Stop the medication and assess the airway
Patients taking antibiotics should finish the full course to prevent this major healthcare problem.
antibiotic resistance
I’m commonly prescribed before dental procedures for patients allergic to penicillin.
macrolides
The nurse should suspect this if a patient develops stomatitis, glossitis, and mouth ulcerations during antibiotic therapy.
fungal superinfection
A patient taking fluoroquinolones reports sudden heel pain. The nurse suspects this complication.
Tendon rupture/tendonitis
The nurse should monitor these drug levels with vancomycin therapy.
Peak and trough levels
A patient taking oral contraceptives and penicillin should use this additional protection.
barrier method/backup birth control
I am often used to treat urinary tract infections. I should be taken with food, and I work by concentrating in the urine where I fight bacteria.
nitrofurantoin
A client receiving antiviral therapy for HIV develops a severe fungal infection due to immune suppression. This type of infection is known as:
opportunistic infection