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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Relief of heartburn is the correct outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine is used to treat and prevent conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome, which are characterized by excessive acid secretion and irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Famotidine can relieve the symptoms of heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Choice B reason: Cessation of diarrhea is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the motility or secretion of the intestines, and it is not used to treat diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Diarrhea can have various causes, such as infections, medications, food intolerance, or inflammatory bowel disease, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating diarrhea, and it may even worsen it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
Choice C reason: Passage of flatus is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the digestion or fermentation of food in the gastrointestinal tract, and it is not used to treat flatulence, which is the accumulation and expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines. Flatulence can have various causes, such as swallowing air, eating certain foods, or having a bacterial imbalance in the gut, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating flatulence, and it may even increase it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and altering the gut flora.
Choice D reason: Absence of constipation is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the motility or secretion of the intestines, and it is not used to treat constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Constipation can have various causes, such as dehydration, lack of fiber, medications, or bowel obstruction, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating constipation, and it may even cause it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and slowing down the digestion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) is not the correct medication for a patient with a productive cough. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by acting on the brain to reduce the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is used for a dry, nonproductive cough that is caused by irritation or inflammation. Dextromethorphan is not effective for a productive cough that produces mucus, and it may even be harmful by preventing the clearance of secretions from the lungs.
Choice B reason: Fluticasone (Flonase) is not the correct medication for a patient with a productive cough. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. Fluticasone is used for allergic rhinitis, which is a condition that causes sneezing, itching, and runny nose due to an allergic reaction. Fluticasone is not effective for a productive cough that produces mucus, and it may even worsen it by suppressing the immune system and increasing the risk of infection.
Choice C reason: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is not the correct medication for a patient with a productive cough. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses. Pseudoephedrine is used for nasal congestion, which is a condition that causes stuffy nose and difficulty breathing due to swelling of the mucous membranes. Pseudoephedrine is not effective for a productive cough that produces mucus, and it may even cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.
Choice D reason: Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is the correct medication for a patient with a productive cough. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening the mucus in the chest and throat. Guaifenesin is used for a productive cough that produces mucus, as it helps the cough to be more effective and clear the airways. Guaifenesin is generally safe and well tolerated, but it may cause some minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache.
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