Eye and Skin
Which eye-drop medication lowers intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma?
Timolol
Which medication lowers uric acid production to prevent recurrent gout attacks?
Allopurinol.
It is used for long-term uric acid control, not immediate pain relief.
Which antibiotic is used in multidrug treatment regimens for tuberculosis and may turn body fluids orange-red?
Rifampin.
Orange-red discoloration of urine, sweat, saliva, and tears is an expected effect.
Which two anticoagulants in this guide help prevent or treat blood clots?
Heparin sodium and enoxaparin.
Both are anticoagulants used for clot prevention or treatment, depending on the order
Which medication combines a cough suppressant with an expectorant(mucous loosener)?
Dextromethorphan/guaifenesin.
Dextromethorphan suppresses cough; guaifenesin helps loosen mucus
Which two medication classes can treat skin inflammation or itching?
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or prednisone, and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.
Topical hydrocortisone reduces local inflammation; diphenhydramine helps relieve allergic itching.
Which medication is commonly used to treat or prevent gout flares by reducing inflammation?
Colchicine.
Colchicine reduces the inflammatory response to urate crystals. GI symptoms can signal toxicity.
Which antibiotic is commonly associated with treatment of serious MRSA infections?
Vancomycin.
Vancomycin treats susceptible gram-positive infections, including many MRSA infections.
Which medication reverses the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin?
Protamine sulfate.
Protamine is the reversal agent for unfractionated heparin; reversal of enoxaparin is less complete.
Which medication treats nausea and vomiting but can prolong the QT interval?
Ondansetron.
Assess cardiac risk factors and other QT-prolonging medications when appropriate
Which medication treats fungal infections, while acyclovir treats viral infections?
Ketoconazole treats fungal infections.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal; acyclovir is an antiviral used for certain herpesvirus infections
A patient taking methotrexate reports fever, mouth sores, and unusual bruising. What is the priority?
Promptly report and evaluate the findings for infection or bone marrow toxicity.
Methotrexate can suppress bone marrow and increase infection risk.
Name two antibiotics in this study guide that can cause serious allergic reactions.
Penicillin and ceftriaxone.
Both can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Assess allergy history and watch for anaphylaxis.
A postoperative patient receiving hydrocodone/acetaminophen is difficult to arouse and has slow, shallow respirations. What is the priority?
Immediately assess and support airway and breathing and activate emergency assistance as indicated.
Opioid-induced respiratory depression is potentially life-threatening
Which medication is used to treat an acute migraine attack and requires caution in patients with coronary artery disease?
Sumatriptan.
It can cause vasoconstriction and is generally contraindicated in significant ischemic vascular disease
A patient using timolol eye drops develops a slow pulse and wheezing. What should the nurse suspect?
Systemic beta-blocker effects from ophthalmic timolol.
Eye drops can be absorbed systemically. Assess the patient promptly and notify the appropriate clinician.
A patient taking ibuprofen reports black, tarry stools. Which serious adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
NSAIDs can cause gastric or intestinal ulceration and bleeding.
A patient receiving IV vancomycin develops flushing and itching during the infusion. What should the nurse do first?
Assess the patient and follow the infusion-reaction protocol; evaluate immediately for airway or circulatory compromise.
A vancomycin infusion reaction can occur when it is infused too rapidly, but anaphylaxis must also be considered.
Why must a nurse check the total acetaminophen intake before giving oxycodone/acetaminophen to a patient who also has a separate acetaminophen order?
Both products contain acetaminophen, so combined dosing can cause liver toxicity.
Check all medication sources to prevent duplicate dosing and overdose
A patient taking phenytoin develops nystagmus and an unsteady gait. What should the nurse suspect?
Possible phenytoin toxicity.
Nystagmus and ataxia are important signs of potential toxicity; assess and report promptly
A patient with a history of severe asthma is prescribed timolol eye drops. What is the major concern the nurse should recognize?
Timolol may cause bronchospasm and worsen asthma.
Nonselective beta blockade can affect beta-2 receptors in the airways. The prescription needs clinical review.
A patient taking allopurinol develops a new widespread rash. What should the nurse teach the patient to do?
Seek prompt medical evaluation and not take further doses until urgently advised by the prescriber.
A new rash can signal a severe hypersensitivity reaction, including a potentially life-threatening skin reaction.
A patient with suspected bacterial meningitis needs prompt prescribed antibiotic treatment. Which medication from this guide may be used, and what nursing priority accompanies it?
Ceftriaxone may be used; prioritize prompt treatment, appropriate isolation, and ongoing neurologic and respiratory assessment.
Bacterial meningitis can deteriorate rapidly. Treatment and infection-control precautions are time-critical
A patient taking heparin has a major platelet-count decrease and develops a new clot. Which complication is suspected, and what is the key response?
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); urgently notify the provider and follow the protocol to stop heparin and evaluate alternative anticoagulation.
HIT is a serious immune-mediated reaction associated with thrombocytopenia and paradoxical thrombosis
A patient taking gabapentin also receives an opioid after surgery. Which complication should the nurse monitor for most closely?
Excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
Gabapentin combined with opioids or other CNS depressants can increase respiratory-depression risk.