A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for a new flu drug.
He says he has had the flu for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms.
What is the nurse’s best response to his request?
“We’ll get you a prescription.
As long as you start treatment within the next 24 hours, the drug should be effective.”
“We will need to do a blood test to verify that you actually have the flu.”
“Drug therapy should be started within 2 days of symptom onset, not 4 days.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that antiviral drugs can be effective in treating the flu, they’re most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Starting treatment after 4 days may not provide the same benefits.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While a blood test can confirm the presence of the flu virus, it’s not typically necessary to diagnose the flu. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and the fact that the flu is widespread in the community.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is correct. Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within 2 days of symptom onset. After this time, the benefits of these drugs decrease. Therefore, starting treatment 4 days after symptoms begin may not significantly reduce the duration or severity of symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that getting a flu vaccine is important, it’s not the best response in this situation. The flu vaccine won’t treat current illness. It’s designed to prevent future infections. In this case, the individual is already sick, so a booster vaccination wouldn’t be the most effective course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used extensively for the treatment of gastric acid-related disorders, often over the long term, which raises the potential for clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving concomitant medications.
However, there is no specific mention of a significant interaction between PPIs and aminoglycosides.
Choice B rationale:
Aminoglycoside antibiotics and calcium channel blockers can interact at the neuromuscular junctions. This interaction is of clinical significance because when these agents are given concurrently during the perioperative period they may lead to respiratory depression or prolonged apnea. However, this is not directly related to the therapeutic effect of aminoglycosides, but rather a side effect of their combined use.
Choice C rationale:
The loop-diuretics (ethacrynic acid, furosemide, bumetamide) and aminoglycoside antibiotics (kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, etc.) are important drugs frequently used to treat seriously ill patients. Not uncommonly both types of drugs are given to the same patient exposing that patient to the risk of a hearing loss (ototoxicity)5. In addition, the risk of ototoxicity could be enhanced by the concomitant use of loop diuretics and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Choice D rationale:
Phenytoin is a medication used to treat seizures. It has a complex pharmacokinetic profile and can interact with many other drugs. However, there is no specific mention of a significant interaction between phenytoin and aminoglycosides.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Let’s go through the calculation step by step:
Step 1: Identify the order and the available medication. The order is for dexamethasone (Decadron) 6mg IM. The available stock is dexamethasone 4mg/1ml in a 5ml multidose vial.
Step 2: Determine the amount of medication needed to fulfill the order. This is done by dividing the ordered amount by the concentration of the available medication.
So, we have:
Step 2 Calculation=Concentration of Available MedicationOrdered Amount Substituting the given values: Step 2 Calculation=4 mg/mL6 mg Step 3: Perform the calculation.
Step 3 Calculation=1.5 mL
So, the nurse will prepare 1.5 mL of this medication.
Now, let’s discuss the rationales for each choice:
Choice A rationale:
75 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Choice B rationale:
5 mLs is not the correct amount. This would also be a larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Choice C rationale:
1.5 mLs is the correct amount. This is calculated by dividing the ordered dose (6 mg) by the concentration of the available medication (4 mg/mL).
Choice D rationale:
15 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.