Before starting antimicrobial therapy, the nurse assesses a patient for possible drug allergy. Which of the following complaints should alert the nurse to a drug allergy?
Headaches
Hives or shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Nausea
The Correct Answer is B
A. Headaches:
Headaches are a common symptom that can occur for various reasons, including stress, tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medications. While headaches can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain drugs, they are not specific indicators of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.
B. Hives or shortness of breath:
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can occur as an allergic reaction to medications. They are a common manifestation of drug allergies. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur as part of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Both hives and shortness of breath are significant signs of a potential drug allergy and require immediate attention.
C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of medications, including antibiotics. However, it is not typically a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disturbances or as a reaction to changes in gut flora due to antibiotic use.
D. Nausea:
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. While it can be bothersome, nausea alone is not a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Echinacea:
Echinacea is commonly used to support the immune system and may be used to prevent or reduce the severity of colds and other infections. However, it is not typically used specifically for treating menopause-related hot flashes.
B. Saw palmetto:
Saw palmetto is primarily used for managing symptoms related to the prostate gland, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and is not commonly used for treating menopause-related hot flashes in women.
C. Black cohosh:
Black cohosh is one of the most widely studied herbal remedies for managing menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes. Research suggests that black cohosh may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
D. Cranberry juice:
Cranberry juice is often used to promote urinary tract health and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). While it may have some health benefits, cranberry juice is not typically used for managing menopause-related hot flashes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Refers to an infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotics:
This statement is partially correct. Acquired resistance does indeed refer to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, but it is not specific to conventional antibiotics. Bacteria can develop resistance to various types of antibiotics, including conventional antibiotics and newer antimicrobial agents.
B. Superinfection that has significant antifungal resistance:
This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance specifically pertains to bacteria and their ability to resist antibiotics. It does not involve antifungal resistance or superinfections.
C. Refers to a term used for antibiotic coverage:
This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is not a term used to describe antibiotic coverage. It describes the phenomenon of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
D. There is no such phenomenon of acquired resistance:
This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is a well-documented phenomenon in microbiology and is a significant challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections. Ignoring or denying the existence of acquired resistance would overlook a critical aspect of antibiotic stewardship and management of bacterial infections.
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