A patient has been ordered azithromycin [Zithromax] and asks the nurse why the medication does not have to be taken as often as other antibiotics that have previously been ordered. What is the nurse's best response?
"This drug has a longer duration of action than some of the other antibiotics."
"This is a much more effective drug than what you received previously."
"I'll call the pharmacy and ask about the chemical makeup of the drug."
"You'll need to ask your healthcare provider questions like that."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "This drug has a longer duration of action than some of the other antibiotics."
Explanation: Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has a longer half-life in the body compared to some other antibiotics. Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. A longer half-life means the drug remains effective for a longer duration, allowing for less frequent dosing.
B. "This is a much more effective drug than what you received previously."
Explanation: While azithromycin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, it's not accurate to say it's universally more effective than other antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific type of infection and the susceptibility of the bacteria causing it. Effectiveness varies based on the context of use.
C. "I'll call the pharmacy and ask about the chemical makeup of the drug."
Explanation: While understanding the chemical makeup of drugs is important for healthcare professionals, it might not directly answer the patient's question about the dosing frequency. Explaining the drug's pharmacological properties, such as its duration of action, would provide a more relevant and understandable response to the patient's query.
D. "You'll need to ask your healthcare provider questions like that."
Explanation: This response does not provide the patient with the information they seek. Nurses are valuable resources for medication-related questions and should strive to provide accurate and understandable explanations to patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Most type-1 reactions are allergic: This statement is accurate. Type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are typically associated with allergies. When a person is exposed to a specific allergen (like pollen or certain foods), their immune system overreacts, leading to various symptoms, from mild to severe.
B. It is mediated by IgA: This statement is incorrect. Type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are primarily mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When these antibodies bind to allergens, they trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms.
C. It never contributes to autoimmune diseases: This statement is incorrect. While type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are often associated with allergies, they are distinct from autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues, which is a different mechanism from hypersensitivity reactions.
D. Most occur against medications: This statement is not entirely accurate. While some type-1 hypersensitivity reactions can be triggered by medications (like penicillin), they can also be caused by various other allergens such as pollen, animal dander, insect venom, and certain foods. The prevalence of medication-induced type-1 reactions varies, and it's not accurate to say that most occur against medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 8:00 AM: This time is too early to draw a trough level for a medication administered at 10:00 AM. The trough level should be drawn just before the next dose is given to get the lowest concentration in the bloodstream.
B. 11:00 AM: This time is after the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Waiting until 11:00 AM would not provide an accurate trough level because the patient has already received the medication.
C. 9:00 AM: This is the correct time to obtain the patient's blood sample. It is one hour before the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Drawing the trough level at this time ensures it reflects the lowest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream.
D. 12:00 noon: This time is after the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Waiting until noon would not provide an accurate trough level because the patient has already received the medication.
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