Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

A male client comes to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset of diarrhea, anorexia, malaise, cough, headache, and recurrent chills. Based on the client's history and physical findings, the physician suspects Legionnaires' disease. While awaiting diagnostic test results, the client is admitted to the facility and started on antibiotic therapy. What is the drug of choice for treating Legionnaires' disease?

  • A. erythromycin (Erythrocin)
  • B. rifampin (Rifadin)
  • C. amantadine (Symmetrel)
  • D. amphotericin B (Fungizone)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: erythromycin (Erythrocin). Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, and erythromycin is the drug of choice for treating this infection. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that effectively targets Legionella bacteria by inhibiting their protein synthesis. It is bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bactericidal at higher concentrations. Rifampin (B) is not the preferred choice for Legionnaires' disease. Amantadine (C) is used for treating influenza A virus, not Legionella bacteria. Amphotericin B (D) is an antifungal agent and is not effective against Legionella pneumophila. Utilizing erythromycin as the treatment of choice ensures successful eradication of the Legionella bacteria and helps the client recover from the infection.