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A patient is receiving aminoglycoside therapy and will be receiving a beta-lactam antibiotic as well. The patient asks why two antibiotics have been ordered. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. The combined effect of both antibiotics is greater than each of them alone.
- B. One antibiotic is not strong enough to fight the infection.
- C. We have not yet isolated the bacteria, so the two antibiotics are given to cover a wide range of microorganisms.
- D. We can give a reduced amount of each one if we give them together.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aminoglycosides are often used in combination with other antibiotics, such as beta-lactams or vancomycin, in the treatment of various infections because the combined effect of the two antibiotics is greater than that of either drug alone.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which problem may occur in a patient who has started aminoglycoside therapy?
- A. Constipation
- B. Renal damage
- C. Gynecomastia
- D. Leukocytosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients on aminoglycoside therapy have an increased risk for nephrotoxicity. The other options are incorrect.
A patient will be receiving nitrofurantoin treatment for a urinary tract infection. The nurse is reviewing the patient's history and will question the nitrofurantoin order if which disorder is present in the history? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Liver disease
- B. Coronary artery disease
- C. Hyperthyroidism
- D. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- E. Chronic renal disease
Correct Answer: A,E
Rationale: Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in cases of known drug allergy and also in cases of significant renal function impairment, because the drug concentrates in the urine. Because adverse effects include hepatotoxicity, which is rare but often fatal, the nurse should also question the order if liver disease is present. The other options are not contraindications.
The nurse is administering a vancomycin infusion. Which measure is appropriate for the nurse to implement in order to reduce complications that may occur with this drug's administration?
- A. Monitoring blood pressure for hypertension during the infusion
- B. Discontinuing the drug immediately if red man syndrome occurs
- C. Restricting fluids during vancomycin therapy
- D. Infusing the drug over at least 1 hour
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infuse the medication over at least 1 hour to reduce the occurrence of red man syndrome. Adequate hydration (at least 2 L of fluid in 24 hours) during vancomycin therapy is important for the prevention of nephrotoxicity. Hypotension may occur during the infusion, especially if it is given too rapidly.
A patient with a Pseudomonas species urinary infection will be receiving amikacin 5 mg/kg once daily via intravenous infusion. The patient weighs 143 pounds, and the medication is available in an injection solution strength of 250 mg/mL. Identify how many milliliters of medication will be drawn up for this injection. (record answer using one decimal place)
Correct Answer: 1.3 Ml
Rationale: Calculate the patient's weight in kilograms: 143 pounds ?· 2.2 = 65 kg. Calculate mg/kg/dose: 5 mg/kg ?? 65 kg = 325 mg. Calculate volume: 325 mg ?· 250 mg/mL = 1.3 mL.
The nurse is administering intravenous vancomycin to a patient who has had gastrointestinal surgery. Which nursing measures are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Monitoring serum creatinine levels
- B. Restricting fluids while the patient is on this medication
- C. Warning the patient that a flushed feeling or facial itching may occur
- D. Instructing the patient to report dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- E. Reporting a trough drug level of 11 mcg/mL and holding the drug
- F. Reporting a trough drug level of 24 mcg/mL and holding the drug
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: Constant monitoring for drug-related neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and superinfection remains critical to patient safety. Monitor for nephrotoxicity by monitoring serum creatinine levels. Ototoxicity may be indicated if the patient experiences dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ears, and these symptoms must be reported immediately. Vancomycin infusions may cause red man syndrome, which is characterized by flushing of the neck and face and a decrease in blood pressure. Optimal trough blood levels of vancomycin are 10 to 20 mcg/mL; therefore, the drug should not be administered when there is a trough level of 24 mcg/mL.