A nurse is preparing to administer clindamycin to a client who states she forgot to report to the provider that she is allergic to penicillin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Give the client the prescribed dose of the clindamycin.
Obtain a prescription for an alternative antibiotic.
Premeditate the client with epinephrine before administering the antibiotic.
Administer the clindamycin using a desensitization schedule.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Giving the prescribed dose of clindamycin is not appropriate due to the reported penicillin allergy, which increases the risk of an allergic reaction.
Choice B Reason:
Obtain a prescription for an alternative antibiotic is correct. Given the client's reported allergy to penicillin, which is in the same antibiotic class as clindamycin (both are antibiotics that belong to the beta-lactam group), there is a higher risk of cross-reactivity and potential allergic reaction. Therefore, it's important to avoid administering clindamycin in such cases and seek an alternative antibiotic that does not have a similar chemical structure to penicillin to prevent an allergic reaction.
Choice C Reason:
Premeditating the client with epinephrine before administering the antibiotic is not a standard practice in this context. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions but is not used as a preventive measure before administering antibiotics.
Choice D Reason:
Administering the clindamycin using a desensitization schedule might be an option in certain situations under the guidance of an allergist or immunologist, but it's not typically performed by nurses and requires a specific protocol and expertise in managing drug allergies. Obtaining an alternative antibiotic is a more appropriate and immediate action to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
No explanation
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Absence of deep-tendon reflexes is correct. The absence or decrease in deep-tendon reflexes can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate, when given in excessive amounts or in the case of accumulation due to impaired renal function, can lead to muscle weakness, hyporeflexia, and in severe cases, loss of deep-tendon reflexes. Discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is warranted in severe cases of magnesium toxicity to counteract its effects.
Choice B Reason:
Report of chills is incorrect. Chills are non-specific symptoms and are not typically associated specifically with magnesium toxicity. They are less indicative of a need for calcium gluconate administration in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased level of consciousness is correct. Severe magnesium toxicity can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, and eventually decreased level of consciousness. In these cases, discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is crucial to counteract the effects of excessive magnesium.
Choice D Reason:
Systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg is incorrect. A systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg, by itself, is not an indicator of magnesium toxicity that necessitates the administration of calcium gluconate. Blood pressure within this range is not typically a cause for concern related to magnesium sulfate administration.
Choice EReason:
Urine output of 80 mL in 4 hours is incorrect. While decreased urine output might indicate potential renal issues or compromised kidney function, it's not a specific indication for the administration of calcium gluconate in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion. It can signal the need for further assessment but is not a direct sign of magnesium toxicity requiring calcium gluconate administration.

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