A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"Antibiotics are administered to treat viral infections."
"Bloody stools are expected while taking antibiotics."
"Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed."
"Discontinue the medication when you feel better."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: "Antibiotics are administered to treat viral infections." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, or COVID19. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause harm and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance¹.
Choice B reason: "Bloody stools are expected while taking antibiotics." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Bloody stools are not a normal or expected side effect of antibiotics. They can indicate a serious condition, such as intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, or Clostridioides difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. It can occur when antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and allow C. diff to grow and produce toxins. The nurse should instruct the client to report any signs of bloody stools or severe diarrhea to the health care provider immediately.
Choice C reason: "Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed." is a correct statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Taking the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed is important to ensure that the infection is completely treated and to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic. Stopping the antibiotic too soon or skipping doses can allow some bacteria to survive and multiply, which can cause the infection to come back or spread to other parts of the body. The nurse should also remind the client to follow the instructions on the medication label or the prescriber's order regarding the dosage, frequency, and duration of the antibiotic therapy.
Choice D reason: "Discontinue the medication when you feel better." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Discontinuing the medication when the client feels better is not advisable, as it can lead to incomplete treatment and antibiotic resistance. Feeling better does not mean that the infection is gone or that the bacteria are all killed. The client should continue to take the antibiotic until the end of the prescribed course, even if they have no symptoms or feel better. The nurse should also advise the client to contact the health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about the antibiotic or if they experience any side effects or allergic reactions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. MAOIs are a group of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood and energy. However, MAOIs can also cause serious side effects and interactions with other drugs and foods, and they are not commonly used as firstline treatment for depression. Escitalopram is not an MAOI, and it should not be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping or starting MAOIs, as this can cause a dangerous drug interaction called serotonin syndrome.
Choice B reason: Betablockers are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. Betablockers are a group of drugs that work by blocking the beta receptors on the heart and blood vessels, which are stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline. Betablockers can lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output, and they are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Betablockers can also reduce anxiety and tremors, but they are not antidepressants and they do not affect serotonin levels. Escitalopram is not a betablocker, and it does not have any significant effect on the cardiovascular system.
Choice C reason: Benzodiazepines are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that work by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming and sedating effect on the brain. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms, and they can also cause relaxation, drowsiness, and amnesia. Benzodiazepines are not antidepressants and they do not affect serotonin levels. Escitalopram is not a benzodiazepine, and it does not have any significant effect on GABA receptors .
Choice D reason: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. SSRIs are a group of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin by the nerve cells, which increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition, and low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. SSRIs can improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety by enhancing the serotonin signaling in the brain. Escitalopram is an SSRI, and it is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The initial phase of drug distribution is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug distribution is the process by which a drug moves from the bloodstream to the tissues and organs of the body. The initial phase of drug distribution is influenced by factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, plasma protein binding, and tissue binding. The first pass effect is not related to drug distribution, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.
Choice B reason: The rapid absorption of a drug in the intestine is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug absorption is the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. The rapid absorption of a drug in the intestine depends on factors such as the drug formulation, the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of food or other drugs, and the surface area and motility of the intestine. The first pass effect is not related to drug absorption, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.
Choice C reason: The initial rapid excretion of a drug through the urinary system is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug excretion is the process by which a drug or its metabolites are eliminated from the body. The initial rapid excretion of a drug through the urinary system is influenced by factors such as the renal blood flow, the glomerular filtration rate, the tubular secretion and reabsorption, and the urine pH. The first pass effect is not related to drug excretion, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.
Choice D reason: The metabolism of a drug before it reaches the systemic circulation is the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug metabolism is the process by which a drug is chemically transformed in the body, usually by enzymes in the liver or other tissues. The first pass effect is a phenomenon of drug metabolism that occurs when a drug is administered orally and passes through the gastrointestinal tract and the liver before reaching the systemic circulation. The first pass effect can reduce the bioavailability and the effectiveness of the drug, as some or most of the drug may be metabolized and inactivated before reaching the site of action.
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