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:
Erythromycin Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is often used as an alternative to penicillin. It is generally safe for use in patients with a penicillin allergy. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
Choice B rationale:
Amphotericin B Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic. It is used to treat serious, systemic fungal infections. It has no cross-reactivity with penicillin, so it would not be a concern for a patient with a penicillin allergy.
Choice C rationale:
Amoxicillin-clavulanate Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a type of penicillin antibiotic. Patients with a known penicillin allergy should avoid this medication, as they may have a cross-reactivity to it. This is why the nurse should verify this prescription with the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Gentamicin Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. It is not related to penicillin and would be safe for a patient with a penicillin allergy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Amphotericin B is a potent antifungal medication used to treat severe fungal infections. However, it is typically reserved for life-threatening systemic fungal infections due to its potential for serious side effects, including kidney damage and infusion reactions. It is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for vaginal yeast infections.
Choice B rationale:
While antifungal creams can be effective for treating vaginal yeast infections, they typically require a treatment course of several days. This option may not be the best choice for a patient seeking a quicker, one-time treatment.
Choice C rationale:
A single dose of a fluconazole oral tablet is often an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections. Fluconazole works by inhibiting the growth of the yeast causing the infection. It is convenient for patients because it only requires one dose, unlike creams or suppositories that need to be applied for several days.
Choice D rationale:
There are indeed alternatives to antifungal suppositories for treating vaginal yeast infections. As mentioned above, a single dose of fluconazole is one such alternative. Therefore, stating that there is no better alternative to the suppositories is not accurate.
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