A nursing student asks a nurse to explain the differences between amphotericin B and the azoles group of antifungal agents. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
Amphotericin B can be given orally or intravenously.
Azoles have lower toxicity than amphotericin B.
Amphotericin B increases the levels of many other drugs.
Only the azoles are broad-spectrum antifungal agents.
The correct answer is: b) Azoles have lower toxicity than amphotericin B.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Amphotericin B is typically administered intravenously because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and thus not suitable for oral administration. It is used to treat severe systemic fungal infections and is known for its potential nephrotoxicity and other adverse effects.
Choice B reason: Azoles, such as fluconazole and itraconazole, generally have lower toxicity compared to amphotericin B. They are often used as first-line treatments for many fungal infections due to their safer side effect profile. Azoles work by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, and are available in both oral and intravenous formulations, making them more versatile in their use.
Choice C reason: While amphotericin B does have some drug interactions, it is not typically known for significantly increasing the levels of many other drugs. Instead, the primary concern with amphotericin B is its potential for nephrotoxicity and other direct adverse effects on the patient.
Choice D reason: Both amphotericin B and azoles are considered broad-spectrum antifungal agents. Amphotericin B is effective against a wide range of fungi, including many that are resistant to other antifungal agents. Azoles are also broad-spectrum and are used to treat a variety of fungal infections, but they generally have a better safety profile than amphotericin B.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of portal hypertension. Cirrhosis involves the scarring of liver tissue, which obstructs blood flow through the liver and increases pressure in the portal vein. This increased pressure can lead to complications such as varices (enlarged veins) that can rupture and cause bleeding, such as vomiting blood (hematemesis). The liver's inability to properly manage blood flow due to scar tissue buildup is central to the development of portal hypertension.
Choice B reason: Left ventricular failure can lead to pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries) but is not a common cause of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension specifically refers to increased pressure in the portal vein system, which is most often due to liver disease. Left ventricular failure affects the heart and lungs, not the liver or its blood vessels, thus not leading to the observed condition of portal hypertension.
Choice C reason: Renal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, which can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) but not portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is related to the liver and its blood flow, not the renal arteries. Renal stenosis primarily causes problems in the kidney's function and systemic blood pressure rather than affecting the portal vein system.
Choice D reason: Thrombosis in the spleen can cause localized issues but is not a common cause of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is typically related to liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, which affect the blood flow through the liver and portal vein system. Thrombosis in the spleen might complicate portal vein blood flow but is not a primary cause like liver cirrhosis is.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While some patients might need short-term thyroid replacement therapy after radioactive iodine treatment, this is not as common as the need for long-term or lifelong therapy. Radioactive iodine often causes hypothyroidism, which requires ongoing thyroid hormone replacement.
Choice B reason: Radioactive iodine treatment frequently leads to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland no longer produces enough thyroid hormone. As a result, patients often require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal thyroid function. This is a common outcome and patients should be prepared for this possibility when undergoing treatment for Graves' disease.
Choice C reason: Although radioactive iodine is effective in treating Graves' disease, it does not guarantee full recovery without the need for further treatment. Most patients will develop hypothyroidism and need thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Complete recovery without any need for ongoing management is uncommon.
Choice D reason: Lifelong iodine treatment is not required after radioactive iodine therapy for Graves' disease. The primary treatment involves administering a specific dose of radioactive iodine to ablate the overactive thyroid tissue. Following this, patients typically need thyroid hormone replacement therapy, not continuous iodine treatment.
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