HESI Medical Surgical Practice Quiz Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Practice Quiz related questions and content

The patient is taking low-dose erythromycin prophylactically and will start cefaclor for treating an acute infection. The nurse should discuss this with the provider because taking both medications simultaneously can cause which effect?

  • A. Decreased effectiveness of cefaclor.
  • B. Increased effectiveness of cefaclor.
  • C. Decreased effectiveness of erythromycin.
  • D. Increased effectiveness of erythromycin.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When erythromycin and cefaclor are taken together, erythromycin can inhibit the metabolism of cefaclor, leading to elevated cefaclor levels and potentially causing adverse effects. This results in a decrease in the effectiveness of cefaclor. Therefore, the nurse should discuss this potential drug interaction with the provider to consider an alternative treatment or adjust the dosages to prevent complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the concern lies with the effect on cefaclor when combined with erythromycin, not the effect on erythromycin itself.