Antibiotic Drug Classes NCLEX Quiz (50 Questions) - Penicillins

A client reports a rash and difficulty breathing after taking amoxicillin. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Administer diphenhydramine

• Notify the healthcare provider immediately

• Document the reaction and continue monitoring

• Administer the next scheduled dose

The nurse should question a prescription for penicillin G if the patient has a known allergy to:

• Cephalexin

• Vancomycin

• Ciprofloxacin

• Azithromycin

Which teaching is most important for a client receiving piperacillin?

• Avoid sunlight exposure

• Report signs of allergic reaction

• Take with milk or antacids

• Expect harmless tooth discoloration

What is a common cross-reactivity concern between penicillins and cephalosporins?

• Nephrotoxicity

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Photosensitivity

• Ototoxicity

The nurse asks a client about their previous allergic reaction to penicillin. Why is this important?

• To verify if it was an anaphylactic response

• To confirm the medication dose

• To determine if it caused photosensitivity

Which cephalosporin is often used for surgical prophylaxis?

• Ceftriaxone

• Cefazolin

• Cephalexin

• Vancomycin

The nurse should monitor for what if a client receiving ceftriaxone develops diarrhea?

• Clostridium difficile infection

• Ototoxicity

• Crystalluria

• Red man syndrome

A client allergic to penicillin is prescribed cephalexin. What should the nurse do first?

• Administer the medication as ordered

• Notify the provider of potential cross-allergy

• Give an antihistamine before administration

• Reduce the dose by half

Which statement by the client taking ceftriaxone indicates a need for further teaching?

• I’ll notify my doctor if I develop a rash.

• I can drink alcohol with this medication.

• I’ll finish the entire course even if I feel better.

• I’ll report any severe diarrhea.

Which lab values should be monitored for clients taking cephalosporins?

• AST and ALT

• BUN and creatinine

• ICP

• Calcium and magnesium