NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Related

Review NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies related questions and content

The client is admitted to the ED with tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. The client has been taking theophylline for treatment of asthma and erythromycin for an upper respiratory tract infection. Which conclusion and action taken by the nurse is correct?

  • A. The client is having an asthma attack; the nurse requests an order for albuterol.
  • B. The client is experiencing septicemia; the nurse requests an order for blood cultures.
  • C. The client has theophylline toxicity; the nurse requests an order for a serum theophylline level.
  • D. The client is allergic to erythromycin; the nurse requests an order for diphenhydramine.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A: Symptoms of an asthma attack would include wheezing and other signs of air hunger. B: Additional signs would need to be present to suspect septicemia, such as an elevated temperature and skin flushing. C: Tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension are signs of theophylline (Theo-Dur) toxicity. These occur because macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin inhibit the metabolism of theophylline. Obtaining an order for a theophylline level will expedite the client's treatment. D: Symptoms could suggest an allergic reaction, but epinephrine would be ordered, not diphenhydramine.