Antibiotic Part 1
Which finding best indicates that a client is having a therapeutic response to antibiotic treatment?
A. Persistent fever
B. Increased white blood cell count
C. Decreased redness and swelling at the infection site
D. Continued purulent drainage
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A therapeutic response includes improvement in signs of infection such as reduced inflammation, pain, and redness. Persistent fever and drainage suggest inadequate treatment.
Which organism is considered a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO)?
A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
B. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
C. Escherichia coli
D. Haemophilus influenzae
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MRSA is resistant to multiple antibiotic classes and is a common MDRO seen in both healthcare and community settings.
A nurse is preparing to administer intravenous acyclovir to a patient with shingles. Which nursing action is most important to prevent a serious adverse effect?
A. Administer the medication rapidly for quicker relief
B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
C. Restrict fluids during therapy
D. Monitor blood glucose levels
Correct Answer:
B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
Rationale:
Acyclovir can cause kidney damage due to crystal formation in the kidneys. Adequate hydration helps prevent this adverse effect. Rapid infusion and dehydration increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client prescribed clotrimazole vaginal cream for the treatment of candidiasis. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of the medication instructions?
A)“ I should stop the medication once my itching goes away.”
B) “ I may continue using tampons while taking this medication.”
C) “I should complete a full course of therapy even after the symptoms improve.”
D) “ This medication will protect me from future yeast infections.”
C,
Rationales: Client should complete the entire prescribed course to fully eradicate the infection and prevent reoccurance.
Which statement indicates the client needs more teaching about allopurinol?
A. “I will drink at least 2500 mL of water daily.”
B. “This medication helps prevent future gout attacks.”
C. “I will stop taking this if I develop a rash.”
D. “This medication will help relieve pain during my current flare.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allopurinol does not treat acute gout pain; it prevents future attacks. Starting it during a flare may worsen symptoms.
A nurse is preparing to administer an antibiotic to a client with a suspected infection. Which action is most important to perform before starting antibiotic therapy?
A. Monitor the client’s temperature
B. Obtain cultures from the suspected infection site
C. Administer probiotics
D. Assess for gastrointestinal upset
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultures must be obtained before antibiotic therapy begins to correctly identify the causative organism and guide definitive therapy. Administering antibiotics first may alter culture results.
A client taking linezolid (Zyvox) asks which foods to avoid. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Whole-grain bread
C. Aged cheese
D. Grilled chicken
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Linezolid can interact with tyramine-containing foods such as aged cheeses, increasing the risk for hypertensive crisis.
A patient presents with influenza-like symptoms for 3 days. The provider prescribes oseltamivir. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “This medication will cure the flu completely.”
B. “You should take this medication with the influenza vaccine.”
C. “This medication is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms.”
D. “This medication works best for bacterial infections.”
C. “This medication is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms.”
Rationale:
Oseltamivir reduces viral spread and symptom duration only when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. It does not cure influenza and does not replace vaccination.
The client was prescribed Fluconazole for systemic candidias. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
A) Serum Potassium
B) Liver function test (AST/ALT)
C) WBC-white blood count
D) Platelet count
B: Liver function Test
Rationale: Azole antifungals such as fluconazole can cause hepatotoxicity, so monitoring liver enzymes is essential. Elevation of AST/ALT may indicate liver injury.
A client taking colchicine reports nausea. What should the nurse say?
A. “Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset.”
B. “Stop taking it immediately.”
C. “Take it on an empty stomach.”
D. “Nausea means the drug is not working.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Colchicine commonly causes GI upset; taking it with food helps reduce nausea.
Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching regarding antibiotic therapy?
A. “I will take the medication until it is finished.”
B. “I can stop the antibiotic when I feel better.”
C. “I should report severe side effects to my provider.”
D. “I may need backup birth control while on antibiotics.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stopping antibiotics early can lead to resistance and recurrence of infection. Antibiotics must be taken for the full prescribed course.
A nurse is administering IV vancomycin. Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing action?
A. Mild nausea
B. Red flushing of the face and neck
C. Slight headache
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Red man syndrome is associated with rapid vancomycin infusion and requires slowing the infusion and possibly administering antihistamines.
A nurse is teaching a patient prescribed efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir for HIV. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding?
A. “I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.”
B. “This medication will cure my HIV infection.”
C. “I should take this medication every day at the same time.”
D. “I only need to take this medication when my viral load increases.”
C. “I should take this medication every day at the same time.”
Rationale:
Strict daily adherence is required to prevent viral resistance and maintain viral suppression. Antiretroviral therapy controls HIV but does not cure it, and stopping therapy can worsen disease.
Which statement by a client prescribed terbinafine for a fungal nail infection indicates a need for further teaching?
A) “ I will take this medication for several weeks.”
B) “ I should report any yellowing of my skin.”
C) “ Once my nail looks better, i can stop the medication.”
D) “ My provider may check my liver enzymes.”
C.
Rationale: Antifungal therapy, especially for nail infections, must be taken for the full prescribed duration even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can lead to resistance.
Which statement indicates the client needs more teaching about allopurinol?
A. “I will drink at least 2500 mL of water daily.”
B. “This medication helps prevent future gout attacks.”
C. “I will stop taking this if I develop a rash.”
D. “This medication will help relieve pain during my current flare.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allopurinol does not treat acute gout pain; it prevents future attacks. Starting it during a flare may worsen symptoms.