General Antibiotic Concepts and Penicillins

The nurse is caring for a client prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia. Which statement by the client requires further teaching?

• I’ll finish all of my medication, even if I feel better.

• I’ll call the doctor if I get severe diarrhea.

• I’ll save any leftover antibiotics in case I get sick again.

• This medication only works on bacteria, not viruses.

The nurse monitors for which sign of a superinfection related to antibiotic use?

• Oral thrush

• Bradycardia

• Muscle weakness

• Constipation

What is the most important reason to teach clients to complete the entire course of antibiotics?

• To prevent antibiotic resistance

• To reduce nausea

• To prevent allergic reactions

• To avoid superinfection

Before giving amoxicillin, the nurse asks about allergies. The client reports a previous reaction to penicillin that caused hives and wheezing. What is the priority action?

• Administer diphenhydramine before giving the dose

• Notify the provider and withhold the medication

• Give the medication slowly over 60 minutes

• Document and continue monitoring

Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention after administration of penicillin G?

• Rash on the chest

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Mild diarrhea

When documenting a client’s allergy to penicillin, the nurse should include which information?

• The name of the provider who prescribed it

• The specific type of reaction experienced

• The date of the last antibiotic use

• The reason the antibiotic was prescribed

The nurse is preparing to administer cefazolin before surgery. The client reports an allergy to penicillin that caused anaphylaxis. What should the nurse do?

• Give the cefazolin as ordered

• Notify the provider before giving the medication

• Administer an antihistamine first

• Reduce the dose by half

Which statement indicates correct understanding of ceftriaxone teaching?

• I’ll stop taking this drug if I feel better.

• I should take the full course even if my symptoms go away.

• I can drink alcohol while taking this.

• If I get diarrhea, it’s not a concern.

Which lab values are most important to monitor while a client is taking cephalosporins?

• BUN and creatinine

• Platelet count

• Blood glucose

• Potassium and sodium

Which potential side effect is unique to cephalosporins compared with penicillins?

• Bleeding due to vitamin K interference

• Red man syndrome

• Tendon rupture

• Tooth discoloration