A nurse is preparing to administer cephalexin oral suspension to an older adult client who has difficulty swallowing pills. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Store the medication at room temperature
Avoid shaking the medication before administration
Check the client for a penicillin allergy
Monitor the client for constipation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Cephalexin oral suspension should typically be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its stability and effectiveness. Storing it at room temperature could affect its potency.
B. Shaking the oral suspension is necessary to ensure the medication is evenly distributed before each dose, providing the client with the correct dosage of active ingredients. Failure to shake the suspension can result in uneven dosing.
C. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and there is a potential for cross-sensitivity in clients who are allergic to penicillin. Up to 10% of people with a penicillin allergy may also be allergic to cephalosporins. Checking for a penicillin allergy helps prevent an adverse reaction, making it a critical safety measure before administering cephalexin.
D. While some antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal side effects, constipation is not a common adverse effect associated with cephalexin. The nurse should instead monitor for other side effects like diarrhea, which is more typical with antibiotics and can indicate a mild side effect or a more severe condition, such as Clostridioides difficile infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Itching can be a sign of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin-clavulanate. If a client develops itching while taking this medication, they should stop taking it and contact their healthcare provider immediately for further instructions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When a client expresses confusion or uncertainty about their medication, the nurse should always verify the medication order to ensure that the correct medication is being administered. Option (a) is the best response in this scenario because it addresses the client's concern and ensures the medication being given is the correct one.
Option (b) stating that "this is the medication that your doctor wants you to take" does not address the
client's concern and may cause the client to feel dismissed.
Option (c) suggesting to "let me explain the purpose of the medication" is not necessary at this time since
the client is already aware of the purpose and is only concerned about the colour of the pill.
Option (d) stating that "sometimes the same pill comes in a different colour" is not appropriate because it does not address the issue of the client's confusion about the current pill being administered.
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