A nurse is teaching a client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI) about trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The client asks why he needs to take two antibiotics together.
What should the nurse say?
“The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has a synergistic effect that inhibits bacterial growth more effectively than either drug alone.”
“The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has an additive effect that reduces the dosage and frequency of administration of each drug.”
“The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has an antagonistic effect that prevents the development of resistance to either drug.”
“The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has a selective effect that targets only the bacteria causing the UTI and spares the normal flora."
Thrombocytopenia.
The Correct Answer is A
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has a synergistic effect that inhibits bacterial growth more effectively than either drug alone. This means that the two drugs work together to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Choice B is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an additive effect that reduces the dosage and frequency of administration of each drug.
The dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the severity of the infection, the renal function of the client, and the susceptibility of the bacteria.
Choice C is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an antagonistic effect that prevents the development of resistance to either drug.
Antagonistic effect means that one drug reduces or cancels out the effect of another drug.
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole may still cause resistance in some bacteria.
Choice D is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have a selective effect that targets only the bacteria causing the UTI and spares the normal flora.
Selective effect means that a drug affects only certain types of cells or organisms.
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can affect both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including some normal flora.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
There is conflicting evidence about the interaction between azithromycin and warfarin.Some studies suggest that azithromycin does not affect warfarin metabolism or prothrombin time, while others report that azithromycin may enhance warfarin’s effects and increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.The FDA approved label revisions for azithromycin warn of a potential interaction with warfarin. Therefore, the nurse should inform the prescriber about this possible interaction and monitor the client’s prothrombin time or International Normalized Ratio (INR) periodically.
Choice B is wrong because it is not enough to instruct the client to monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, or melena.
The nurse should also inform the prescriber and check the client’s INR regularly.
Choice C is wrong because it is not advisable to advise the client to increase the intake of vitamin K-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, while taking azithromycin.
Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting.The client should maintain a consistent level of vitamin K intake throughout the treatment with warfarin.
Choice D is wrong because it is not relevant to the question.
Azithromycin does not affect hormonal contraception, such as pills, patches, or rings.The client does not need to use an alternative form of contraception, such as condoms, while taking azithromycin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has a synergistic effect that inhibits bacterial growth more effectively than either drug alone. This means that the two drugs work together to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Choice B is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an additive effect that reduces the dosage and frequency of administration of each drug.
The dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the severity of the infection, the renal function of the client, and the susceptibility of the bacteria.
Choice C is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an antagonistic effect that prevents the development of resistance to either drug.
Antagonistic effect means that one drug reduces or cancels out the effect of another drug.
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole may still cause resistance in some bacteria.
Choice D is wrong because the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have a selective effect that targets only the bacteria causing the UTI and spares the normal flora.
Selective effect means that a drug affects only certain types of cells or organisms.
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can affect both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including some normal flora.
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