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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction: This type of hypersensitivity reaction, also known as Type IV hypersensitivity, involves a delayed response by the immune system and is mediated by T cells. It does not necessarily involve a failure of self-tolerance.
B. Antibody-mediated reaction: This type of hypersensitivity reaction, also known as Type II hypersensitivity, involves antibodies targeting specific antigens on cell surfaces, leading to cell destruction. It doesn't directly indicate a failure of self-tolerance but rather an immune response against specific cells or tissues.
C. Autoimmune reaction: In autoimmune reactions, the immune system fails to recognize certain body tissues or substances as "self," leading to an immune response against the body's own cells or tissues. This results from a breakdown in self-tolerance, where the immune system mistakenly targets its own body.
D. Immediate hypersensitivity reaction: This type of hypersensitivity reaction, also known as Type I hypersensitivity, involves an immediate response by the immune system to an allergen. It includes conditions like allergies and anaphylaxis, where the immune system reacts strongly to substances that are normally harmless. This response does not necessarily indicate a failure of self-tolerance but rather an exaggerated response to specific antigens.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wear high-top shoes to avoid tendon rupture:
This statement is incorrect. Tendon rupture is a known side effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, especially in certain populations. However, wearing high-top shoes does not prevent this. Patients should be educated about the signs of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation and should be advised to stop the medication and contact their healthcare provider if they experience such symptoms.
B. Use a barrier method of birth control (condoms) during antibiotic use:
This statement is partially correct. Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin do not interfere with the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, or injections. However, it's advisable to use a barrier method like condoms as an additional form of contraception while taking antibiotics. This is to prevent potential interactions and ensure maximum contraceptive effectiveness.
C. Do not use any bronchodilator inhalers while taking the drug:
This statement is incorrect. Ciprofloxacin does not interact negatively with bronchodilator inhalers. Patients can continue using their prescribed inhalers as directed by their healthcare provider, especially if they are being used for conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
D. Stop the medication as soon as you feel better:
This statement is incorrect. It's crucial for patients to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if they start feeling better before the course is finished. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection, potentially allowing the bacteria to develop resistance and cause a recurrence of the illness.
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