HARD MEDS

A patient prescribed sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for a UTI reports new skin blistering. Which priority action should the nurse take?

• Encourage fluids

• Discontinue the drug and notify the provider

• Apply topical ointment

• Reassure the patient that this is normal

Which laboratory result should be monitored most closely in a patient on long-term sulfonamide therapy?

• Serum calcium

• BUN and creatinine

• Blood glucose

• Liver enzymes

Sulfonamides are avoided in infants younger than 2 months primarily because they:

• Cause teeth discoloration

• Reduce gastric motility

• Increase bilirubin levels causing kernicterus

• Interfere with renal tubular function

Which statement indicates understanding of amoxicillin therapy?

• I’ll take the full course even if I feel better.

• If I get diarrhea, I’ll just stop the medication.

• I’ll take this with grapefruit juice for best results.

• I can skip doses if my symptoms improve.

The nurse knows penicillin is bactericidal because it:

• Inhibits folate synthesis

• Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis

• Alters DNA replication

• Disrupts ribosomal protein synthesis

A patient with a history of rash after ceftriaxone injection is prescribed ampicillin. What should the nurse do?

• Administer the drug and monitor for rash

• Notify the provider before administration

• Give half the dose

• Administer with diphenhydramine

Which cephalosporin can cross the blood–brain barrier to treat meningitis?

• Cefazolin

• Cefoxitin

• Ceftriaxone

• Cefepime

Which patient is at greatest risk for an adverse reaction to ceftriaxone?

• A 40-year-old with hypertension

• A 2-week-old neonate

• A 30-year-old with asthma

• A 55-year-old with diabetes

The nurse should withhold cephalosporin therapy and notify the provider if the patient reports:

• Mild headache

• Previous anaphylaxis to penicillin

• Drowsiness

• Diarrhea

Which statement best describes the role of cilastatin when combined with imipenem?

• Enhances bactericidal effect

• Prevents hypersensitivity

• Inhibits renal breakdown of imipenem

• Prevents hepatic metabolism