A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine.

The prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine due to its dose-limiting adverse effect.

Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent tuberculosis (TB). However, the treatment with this medication typically lasts longer than one month. In fact, TB treatment usually involves taking several drugs for a long time.

Choice B rationale:

While it’s important to take some medications with meals to increase absorption or decrease stomach upset, rifampin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. This helps to ensure optimal absorption of the medication.

Choice C rationale:

Insomnia is not typically listed as a common side effect of rifampin. The medication can cause a number of side effects, but these more commonly include things like upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in behavior.

Choice D rationale:

One of the known side effects of rifampin is that it can cause a red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, saliva, and tears. This can be alarming to patients if they are not forewarned, so it’s important for the nurse to provide this information during discharge instructions.

Choice A rationale:

Macrolides Macrolides, such as erythromycin and azithromycin, are a class of antibiotics that are typically used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria and some respiratory tract infections. They are not the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections.

Choice B rationale:

Sulfonamides Sulfonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole, are often used to treat urinary tract infections. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Sulfonamides are often combined with other antibiotics like trimethoprim to increase their effectiveness. This combination is commonly known as co-trimoxazole.

Choice C rationale:

Carbapenems Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that are usually reserved for serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. While they can be used to treat a variety of infections, they are not typically the first choice for urinary tract infections.

Choice D rationale:

Tetracyclines Tetracyclines are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria. However, they are not typically used for urinary tract infections. They are more commonly used for infections such as acne, chlamydia, and Lyme disease.

Please consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.