A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 2 gm/day PO divided into two doses.

The amount available is amoxicillin 500 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer with each dose?

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Sulfonamides should be taken for the full time of treatment, even if the patient begins to feel better after a few days. If the medication is stopped too soon, the symptoms may return.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is correct. Sulfonamides can cause increased photosensitivity, which means the skin can be more sensitive to the sun and burn more easily. Therefore, patients should be educated to use sunscreen and protective clothing with sun exposure.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is correct. Sulfonamides are best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Several additional glasses of water should be taken every day, unless otherwise directed by the doctor. Drinking extra water will help to prevent some unwanted effects of sulfonamides.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Restricting daily fluid intake to 1000ml per day while on sulfonamides could increase the risk of crystalluria that can cause kidney stones or decreased kidney function. Therefore, patients should increase their water intake while taking these medications.

Choice A rationale:

Confusion can be a symptom of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin. Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.

Choice B rationale:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another common symptom of DKA. High blood sugar levels can cause increased urination, leading to dehydration and an increased feeling of thirst.

Choice C rationale:

A rapid pulse is also a symptom of DKA. This is because the body is trying to compensate for the low amount of fluid in your blood vessels due to dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Clammy skin is not typically a symptom of DKA. It’s more commonly associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which is what occurs in DKA1.