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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?

A.

Store the medication at room temperature

B.

Avoid shaking the medication before administration

C.

Check the client for a penicillin allergy

D.

Monitor the client for constipation

Answer and Explanation

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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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, and it is a laboratory test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated BUN levels indicate impaired kidney function. Amphotericin B is known to be potentially nephrotoxic, which means that it can cause damage to the kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should report an elevated BUN level to the provider before initiating the medication to ensure the safety of the client. Potassium, glucose, and sodium levels are within normal range and do not require intervention in this scenario.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice c. Metallic taste Choice A rationale: Metronidazole is not associated with hearing loss as a common adverse effect. Hearing loss is more commonly linked to other medications, such as aminoglycosides. Choice B rationale: Alterations in touch, or peripheral neuropathy, can occur with metronidazole but are not the typical sense alteration reported by patients. Choice C rationale: Metallic taste is a well-documented adverse effect of metronidazole. Many patients report a metallic or unpleasant taste during therapy. Choice D rationale: Olfactory changes are not a commonly reported adverse effect of metronidazole. This is more often seen with certain other medications or conditions.

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