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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.Sterile technique should ideally be used when handling the distal portion of the eyedropper to prevent introducing pathogens into the eye, as the eye is a sensitive area susceptible to infection.
B.When cleaning the eye, it is recommended to wipe from the inner canthus to the outer canthus to avoid bringing contaminants from the outer area closer to the tear duct, which reduces the risk of infection.
C.Applying pressure to the bridge of the nose is ineffective for preventing systemic absorption of the medication. Instead, pressure should be applied to the inner canthus (the nasolacrimal duct area) for about 1-2 minutes after instillation.
D.The correct technique for administering eye drops involves placing the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac, not directly onto the cornea, as this can cause irritation and discomfort. Administering drops into the conjunctival sac allows for better absorption of the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive bacteria, particularly against MRSA, which is resistant to other antibiotics like methicillin. It is not effective against gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella. Candida is a fungal infection and is not treated with vancomycin. Therefore, in this educational program, the nurse manager should emphasize that vancomycin is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by MRSA.
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