A client who has a history of penicillin allergy is prescribed cefazolin for a bacterial infection. The client asks the nurse why they can take cefazolin if they are allergic to penicillin. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
"Cefazolin is a different type of antibiotic than penicillin, so you will not have an allergic reaction to it."
"Cefazolin is a synthetic version of penicillin, so it does not contain any of the allergens that cause your reaction."
Cefazolin is a similar type of antibiotic to penicillin, but it has a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction than penicillin. This is the correct answer because cefazolin belongs to the same class of antibiotics as penicillin, which are called beta-lactams. However, cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin, which has less cross-reactivity with penicillin than other cephalosporins. This means that clients who are allergic to penicillin have a lower chance of having an allergic reaction to cefazolin than to other beta-lactam antibiotics. The nurse should explain this to the client and monitor them for any signs of an allergic reaction.
"Cefazolin is a newer type of antibiotic than penicillin, so it has fewer side effects and less potential for causing an allergic reaction."
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. Cefazolin is a similar type of antibiotic to penicillin, but it has a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction than penicillin. This is the correct answer because cefazolin belongs to the same class of antibiotics as penicillin, which are called beta-lactams. However, cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin, which has less cross-reactivity with penicillin than other cephalosporins. This means that clients who are allergic to penicillin have a lower chance of having an allergic reaction to cefazolin than to other beta-lactam antibiotics. The nurse should explain this to the client and monitor them for any signs of an allergic reaction.
A) "Cefazolin is a different type of antibiotic than penicillin, so you will not have an allergic reaction to it." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a different type of antibiotic than penicillin; they both belong to
the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. Therefore, there is still a possibility that the client could have an allergic reaction to cefazolin if they are allergic to penicillin.
B) "Cefazolin is a synthetic version of penicillin, so it does not contain any of the allergens that cause your reaction." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a synthetic version of penicillin; they are both derived from natural sources. Therefore, cefazolin could still contain some of the allergens that cause the client's reaction to penicillin.
D) "Cefazolin is a newer type of antibiotic than penicillin, so it has fewer side effects and less potential for causing an allergic reaction." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a newer type of antibiotic than penicillin; they were both discovered in the 1940s. Therefore, the age of the antibiotic does not determine its side effects or potential for causing an allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation: When a client experiences an allergic reaction, monitoring vital signs is a priority nursing intervention. An allergic reaction can lead to systemic manifestations, such as respiratory distress, hypotension, or tachycardia. Monitoring vital signs allows the nurse to assess the client's overall condition, identify any worsening symptoms, and provide prompt intervention.
A) Administering an antihistamine
While antihistamines may be a part of the treatment plan for allergic reactions, they should not be the nurse's initial priority. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs and overall stability before administering any medication.
B) Notifying the healthcare provider
While it is important to communicate with the healthcare provider, especially in severe cases, immediate intervention to monitor vital signs and ensure client stability should take precedence before notifying the healthcare provider.
D) Applying a cool compress to the affected area
Applying a cool compress may provide local relief for symptoms such as itching or redness. However, in the case of an allergic reaction, systemic manifestations require immediate attention. Therefore, monitoring vital signs takes priority over local comfort measures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation: When a client is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, ensuring airway patency is the nurse's first priority. Airway obstruction due to swelling or bronchospasm can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and hypoxia. Assessing airway patency allows the nurse to determine the severity of the situation and initiate appropriate interventions.
A) Administering epinephrine
Epinephrine is a critical medication for treating anaphylaxis, but the nurse must first ensure airway patency before administering any medication. The administration of epinephrine would follow the assessment and confirmation of airway patency.
B) Calling for emergency assistance
While calling for emergency assistance is essential in managing anaphylactic reactions, it should not take precedence over assessing airway patency. The nurse must first assess the client's immediate condition and initiate interventions to secure the airway.
D) Positioning the client in a supine position
Positioning the client in a supine position may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not the first priority when managing an anaphylactic reaction. Airway assessment and intervention should be the initial focus to address potential airway obstruction.
A nurse is providing education to a client about self-management of allergic reactions.
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