Anti - Infective
This antibiotic commonly causes a metallic taste and darkened urine, which are generally harmless effects.
What is metronidazole (Flagyl)?
This mucolytic medication can cause bronchospasm, especially in clients with asthma.
What is acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)?
This medication used for inflammatory bowel disease can cause orange-yellow discoloration of the urine and photosensitivity.
What is sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)?
This immunosuppressant can cause nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and an increased risk of infection and lymphoma.
What is cyclosporine (Sandimmune)?
This medication used to treat acne, hirsutism, and PCOS can cause hyperkalemia and gynecomastia.
What is spironolactone (Aldactone)?
This antibiotic is prescribed for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections because it concentrates in the urine. It is not appropriate for treating pyelonephritis.
What is nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)?
This second-generation antihistamine is used to relieve sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching, and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis with significantly less sedation than first-generation antihistamines.
What is cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
This cannabinoid medication is prescribed for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that has not responded to other medications, as well as AIDS-related anorexia.
What is dronabinol (Marinol)?
This conventional DMARD is used to manage inflammatory autoimmune disorders and is administered once weekly, rather than daily.
What is methotrexate (Trexall)?
This medication is administered during preterm labor to accelerate fetal lung maturity, typically between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.
What is betamethasone?
This combination antibiotic should be avoided in clients with G6PD deficiency and during the third trimester of pregnancy because of the risk of serious complications.
What is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)?
This opioid antitussive is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years, clients with severe respiratory compromise, and known ultrarapid metabolizers because of the risk of respiratory depression.
What is codeine?
A client with frequent heartburn is prescribed an antacid. The client states, "I'll take it with all my other medications before breakfast." What teaching should the nurse provide?
What is take calcium carbonate (Tums) 1–3 hours after meals, separate it from other medications by at least 2 hours, and chew the tablets thoroughly?
A client with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding and impaired kidney function asks about taking an over-the-counter medication for inflammation. The nurse advises caution because this nonselective NSAID increases the risk of GI bleeding, renal injury, and cardiovascular events.
What is ibuprofen (Motrin)?
A client with urinary retention is prescribed a medication to stimulate bladder contraction. However, the nurse discovers the client has a history of asthma and cardiovascular disease, making the medication unsafe.
What is bethanechol (Urecholine)?
A client prescribed penicillin reports having experienced throat swelling and difficulty breathing after taking the medication previously. What is the nurse's priority action?
What is withhold the medication, notify the provider, and clarify the client's allergy history because these symptoms suggest a previous anaphylactic reaction?
A client with an upper respiratory infection is taking an over-the-counter medication containing an analgesic and antipyretic (Acetaminophen). The client also takes another combination cold medication for congestion and headache. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent medication toxicity?
What is review the ingredients of all medications and calculate the client's total 24-hour dose to prevent accidental overdose and hepatotoxicity?
A client with severe Crohn disease is scheduled to receive an IV biologic medication. The nurse discovers the client has never undergone tuberculosis or hepatitis B screening. The client also reports a persistent cough and night sweats. Which medication should the nurse question, and what is the priority nursing action?
What is Infliximab (Remicade). Withhold the infusion, notify the provider, and ensure TB and hepatitis B screening and evaluation for active infection before administration?
A client experiencing anaphylaxis develops throat swelling, wheezing, and hypotension. A nurse prepares to administer an antihistamine as the first intervention. What should the nurse do instead?
What is administer epinephrine first, following the emergency protocol. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is not the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
A client receiving oxytocin for labor induction develops excessively frequent uterine contractions accompanied by signs of fetal distress. What is the nurse's priority action?
Stop the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion, assess the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, and notify the provider immediately.
A 67-year-old client with pneumonia is receiving an antibiotic intravenously. The client has a history of cardiac dysrhythmias and takes medications that prolong the QT interval. During the infusion, the client develops palpitations, dizziness, and a feeling that they may faint. Cardiac monitoring reveals a prolonged QT interval. Which antibiotic should the nurse suspect, and what is the priority nursing action?
What is erythromycin? Rationale: Erythromycin can prolong the QT interval and precipitate serious ventricular dysrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. The risk increases when combined with other QT-prolonging medications.
A 72-year-old client with COPD is prescribed an antibiotic for a suspected respiratory infection. The client has a history of cardiac dysrhythmias and currently takes another medication known to prolong the QT interval. Shortly after beginning treatment, the client reports dizziness and palpitations, and cardiac monitoring reveals QT prolongation. Which respiratory pharmacology medication should the nurse suspect, and what is the priority nursing action?
What is azithromycin (Zithromax)? Rationale: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for respiratory infections. Macrolides require caution in clients with cardiac dysrhythmias or concurrent QT-prolonging medications. Priority nursing action: Withhold the next dose, assess cardiovascular status, maintain cardiac monitoring, and notify the provider promptly.
A pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation is receiving a medication to delay preterm labor. Shortly after administration, the client develops tachycardia, difficulty breathing, and crackles in both lungs. Which medication is most likely responsible, what serious complication is occurring, and what should the nurse do first?
What is terbutaline (Brethine)?
Complication: Pulmonary edema.
Priority nursing action: Stop the medication, assess the client's respiratory status, and notify the provider immediately.