Novice
What is the most common infection that sulfa drugs are prescribed?
UTI
My patient begins to complain of having no appetite while taking sulfa drugs. What adverse reaction would I be concerned with that my patient may be experiencing?
Anorexia- loss of appetite may be considered a mild adverse reaction.
What would I consider prior to administering sulfa drugs to my diabetic patient?
Possible hypoglycemic reactions
(sulfa may disrupt the hepatic metabolism of the oral hypoglycemic drugs and the parenteral drugs which enhance insulin production)
My patient states I forgot to take my sulfa medication yesterday morning should I take two doses this morning?
As the nurse how would you respond to your patient?
No, continue with your prescribed dose this morning. I will contact the MD for further recommendations.
Give one example of another infection sulfa drugs may be prescribed to treat?
acute otitis media
ulcerative colitis
bacterial skin and eye infections
2nd and/or 3rd degree burns
My patient is experiencing mild lower back pain since beginning treatment with sulfa drugs. What would be the nurses next course of action?
Ask about urinary habits, and possible order for a urinalysis to rule out crystalluria.
(Cystalluria's main s/s is lower back pain)
My patient has been on prolonged sulfa drug treatment. What would I as the nurse be concerned with if my patient's lab work returned showing a decrease in the number of platelets prior to their baseline lab work?
Thrombocytopenia
(decrease in the number of platelets)
How long should I wait to notify my doctor if my symptoms do not improve?
5-7 days
Notify immediately if symptoms become worse or if you start experiencing any adverse reactions to the medication.
what sulfa drug is used to treat 2nd and 3rd degree burns?
Mafenide (Sulfamylon) and silver sulfadiazine (silvadene)
What is Urticaria?
Hives (common reaction while using sulfa drugs)
What would I as the nurse recommend my geriatric patient with a history of renal impairment to do while receiving sulfa treatment?
increase their fluid intake to 2000 ml per day
My patient states she is planning on going on a beach vacation with her family this weekend what as the nurse would you be concerned with?
exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays during medication administration therapy. I would educate on sunblock, sunglasses, and protective clothing while exposed to sunlight during my medication course.
What class are sulfa drugs considered to belong to?
Antibacterial
I have a patient complaining of itching (Pruritis) and redness on their face. What would the nurse be concerned about with this patient?
possible SJS reaction
what time of day would you as the nurse recommend taking your sulfonamide medication?
First thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
If stomach irritation occurs you may take it with meals or immediately after your meal
My patient states my urine has started turning an orange-yellow color should I be concerned?
No, THIS IS NORMAL
they inhibit the action of folic acid in bacterial cell metabolism, this slows down the multiplication of the bacteria.
What are the main signs of a patient having an SJS reaction?
Lesions appear as red wheals or blisters starting on the face, in the mouth, or on the lips, neck, and extremities.
What herbal remedy is thought to reduce the risk of UTIs and/or relieve symptoms of UTIs
Cranberries and cranberry juice
I begin teaching my patient regarding newly ordered sulfa medication who states he drives a forklift for his primary employment. As the nurse what would I be concerned with while my patient is receiving sulfa medications
Mental alertness, I would suggest not operating any heavy machinery until we know the response you will have to this drug.