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
The correct answer is choiceb. Monitor the serum medication levels.
Choice A rationale:
Administering gentamicin with food is not necessary and does not minimize the risk of adverse effects. Gentamicin is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly, and food does not impact its administration or absorption.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the serum medication levels is crucial when administering gentamicin. Gentamicin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Regular monitoring helps ensure the drug remains within the safe and effective range, reducing the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting the client’s fluid intake is not recommended. Adequate hydration is important to help prevent nephrotoxicity, a known adverse effect of gentamicin. Ensuring the client has sufficient fluid intake can help protect kidney function.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client to report agitation is not directly related to minimizing the risk of adverse effects of gentamicin. While it is important for clients to report any unusual symptoms, agitation is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. Monitoring for signs of nephrotoxicity (e.g., decreased urine output) and ototoxicity (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus) is more relevant.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that is often used following organ transplant to prevent rejection. Grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of cyclosporine, leading to an increased risk of side effects and toxicity. Therefore, clients taking cyclosporine should be advised to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Pepperoni and smoked salmon do not have any known interactions with cyclosporine. Orange juice may also interact with cyclosporine, but not to the same extent as grapefruit juice. It is generally recommended that clients taking cyclosporine avoid drinking large amounts of orange juice and to inform their healthcare provider if they experience any adverse effects.
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