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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. The liver is the main organ responsible for drug metabolism. The enzymes that the body uses to metabolize drugs are present throughout the body but are most abundant in the liver. The liver can transform drugs into more polar and water-soluble compounds, which can then be excreted by the kidneys or the biliary system.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The lungs are not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although they can play a minor role in some cases. The lungs can metabolize some drugs that are inhaled, such as anesthetics, or drugs that circulate through the pulmonary blood vessels, such as propranolol. However, the lungs have a lower capacity and a lower variety of enzymes than the liver.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The heart is not responsible for drug metabolism, although it can be affected by it. The heart is the organ that pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. The heart can be influenced by the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which are the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and the effects of drugs on the body, respectively.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The kidney is not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although it is important for drug excretion. The kidney is the organ that filters the blood and removes waste products and excess fluid as urine. The kidney can excrete drugs that are water-soluble or that are not reabsorbed by the tubules. The kidney can also metabolize some drugs, such as aspirin, but to a lesser extent than the liver.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. Excedrin contains a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances the pain-relieving function of aspirin and acetaminophen.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs, but they are not the same as aspirin. They have different chemical structures and may have different effects and side effects. Caffeine is not an ingredient in ibuprofen or naproxen products.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Loratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, not headaches. It does not have any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine is not an ingredient in loratadine products.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Naproxen is an NSAID, but it is not the same as aspirin. It has a different chemical structure and may have different effects and side effects. Loratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, not headaches. It does not have any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine is not an ingredient in acetaminophen, naproxen, or loratadine products.
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