Mr. Carter has been recently started on an antibiotic, and has developed a rash and pruritis. You suspect an allergic reaction and immediately assess him for other more serious symptoms. What question would be most important to ask Mr. Carter?
"Are you having any difficulty breathing?"
"Have you noticed any blood in your stool?"
"Are you having difficulty with your hearing?"
"Do you have a headache?”
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Are you having any difficulty breathing?":
Difficulty breathing is a critical symptom that may indicate a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. It is essential to assess for difficulty breathing immediately as it requires urgent intervention to ensure the patient's airway is clear and to administer appropriate treatment.
B. "Have you noticed any blood in your stool?":
While blood in the stool could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, it is not typically associated with allergic reactions to antibiotics. This symptom is more commonly associated with other conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease. While important to assess, it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty breathing in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.
C. "Are you having difficulty with your hearing?":
Difficulty with hearing is not a common symptom of allergic reactions to antibiotics. It may be associated with other conditions such as ear infections or ototoxicity from certain medications. While it is important to assess any changes in hearing, it is not typically an immediate concern in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.
D. "Do you have a headache?":
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 typically associated with severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Therefore, while it is important to assess for headaches, it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty breathing in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Never take with prescription medications:
This statement is not accurate. Many herbal products can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy. However, avoiding taking herbal products with prescription medications altogether may not be practical or necessary in all cases. Instead, it's essential to assess for potential interactions and consult with healthcare professionals.
B. Use only one herbal preparation at a time:
This is the correct approach. Using only one herbal preparation at a time allows for better identification of any allergic reactions or adverse effects. If multiple herbal products are taken simultaneously, it can be challenging to determine which product is causing a particular reaction. Starting with one product also simplifies monitoring for efficacy and safety.
C. Take less than the recommended dose initially:
While starting with a lower dose initially may be a prudent approach for some individuals, it is not necessarily the best way to identify allergic or adverse reactions. Taking less than the recommended dose may not provide a full assessment of the product's effects and may not adequately identify potential adverse reactions.
D. Check with a reputable pharmacist:
Consulting with a reputable pharmacist is essential for obtaining information about herbal products, including potential interactions, side effects, and recommended dosages. While a pharmacist can provide valuable guidance, they may not be present during the initial use of the herbal product to monitor for adverse reactions directly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is a plant commonly used in herbal medicine, but it is not a drug that specifically inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase. While goldenseal may have antimicrobial properties, it is not typically used as a beta-lactamase inhibitor in the treatment of bacterial infections.
B. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin):
Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. While it is an effective antibiotic for treating a wide range of bacterial infections, it does not have beta-lactamase inhibitor properties. Instead, ceftriaxone is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by certain bacteria.
C. Penicillin:
Penicillin is one of the earliest discovered and most widely used beta-lactam antibiotics. However, many bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin by producing beta-lactamase enzymes. Penicillin itself does not inhibit beta-lactamase; instead, it is often combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors to enhance its effectiveness against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
D. Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam):
Zosyn is a combination antibiotic containing piperacillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Tazobactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria, allowing piperacillin to exert its antibacterial effects without being degraded by beta-lactamase. Therefore, Zosyn is the correct answer as it contains a drug that inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase.
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