A client with a history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin receives a prescription for cephalexin 500 mg PO twice daily. Which action should the nurse take?

Contact the healthcare provider.

Give with prescribed antihistamine.

Administer the medication as prescribed.

Monitor the client for a rash or hives.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

Contact the healthcare provider: Given the client’s history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity with cephalexin, a cephalosporin. Although the risk of cross-reactivity is relatively low, it is still significant enough to warrant caution. Studies indicate that 1-4% of people with a true penicillin allergy may also react to cephalosporins. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to discuss alternative antibiotics or additional precautions.

Choice B Reason:

Give with prescribed antihistamine: While antihistamines can help manage mild allergic reactions, they are not sufficient to prevent or treat anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical intervention, including epinephrine administration. Therefore, relying solely on antihistamines is not an appropriate or safe action in this scenario.

Choice C Reason:

Administer the medication as prescribed: Administering cephalexin without consulting the healthcare provider could put the client at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Given the client’s history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, it is crucial to verify the safety of cephalexin with the healthcare provider before administration.

Choice D Reason:

Monitor the client for a rash or hives: While monitoring for allergic reactions is essential, it should not be the primary action in this case. The priority is to prevent a potential severe allergic reaction by consulting the healthcare provider before administering the medication. Monitoring alone does not address the underlying risk of cross-reactivity.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Pasta, cereal, and bread are not particularly rich in potassium, which is important for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause the body to lose potassium, so it is essential to consume potassium-rich foods to maintain normal levels. These foods are more carbohydrate-based and do not provide the necessary potassium.

Choice B Reason:

Cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of calcium and protein but are not the best sources of potassium. While dairy products do contain some potassium, they are not as rich in potassium as fruits like bananas, oranges, and peaches. Additionally, clients with heart failure may need to monitor their intake of dairy products due to their sodium content.

Choice C Reason:

Liver, beef, and chicken are excellent sources of protein and iron but are not particularly high in potassium. While these foods are beneficial for overall nutrition, they do not address the specific need for increased potassium intake in clients taking furosemide.

Choice D Reason:

Bananas, oranges, and peaches are rich in potassium, which is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and consuming potassium-rich foods helps to counteract this effect. Potassium is vital for maintaining normal heart function and muscle contractions. Including these fruits in the diet can help prevent the adverse effects of low potassium levels, such as muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias.

A. Denies having coughing spells. B. Able to sleep through the night. C. Expectorating bronchial secretions. D. Reports reduced nasal discharge.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Denying having coughing spells indicates that the antitussive medication benzonatate is effective. Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the cough reflex. This means that if the client is no longer experiencing coughing spells, the medication is performing its intended function.

Choice B reason: Being able to sleep through the night can be an indirect indicator of the medication’s effectiveness, but it is not as specific as denying coughing spells. While improved sleep might result from reduced coughing, it could also be influenced by other factors such as overall improvement in the client’s condition or the use of other medications.

Choice C reason: Expectorating bronchial secretions is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of benzonatate. Benzonatate is an antitussive, meaning it suppresses the cough reflex rather than promoting the expulsion of mucus. Therefore, expectorating bronchial secretions would not be a primary measure of this medication’s effectiveness.

Choice D reason: Reporting reduced nasal discharge is also not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of benzonatate. This medication specifically targets the cough reflex and does not have a significant impact on nasal discharge. Reduced nasal discharge could be due to other factors or treatments.

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A client with a history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin receives a prescription for cephalexin 500 mg PO twice daily. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Furosemide is prescribed for a client with a history of heart failure (HF). Which foods should the nurse encourage this client to eat?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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