Final Exam Pathophysiology Related

Review Final Exam Pathophysiology related questions and content

When preparing to administer parenteral acyclovir (Zovirax) to an 80-year-old patient with chronic renal failure and herpes simplex, what would the nurse expect in regard to the dose?

  • A. The dose is smaller due to the herpes simplex infection.
  • B. The dose is smaller based on the patient's kidney function.
  • C. The dose is higher in treating genital herpes.
  • D. The dose is higher if the creatinine clearance is above 4.0 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In patients with chronic renal failure, especially in older adults, dosages of medications excreted renally need to be adjusted based on kidney function. Acyclovir is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, so in a patient with chronic renal failure, the dose would need to be smaller to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because the dose adjustment is more related to the patient's kidney function than the presence of herpes simplex. Choice C is incorrect because the type of herpes infection does not determine the dose adjustment for acyclovir. Choice D is incorrect as the creatinine clearance is a more accurate measure of kidney function compared to creatinine levels.