Which of the following types of patients are more vulnerable to drug toxicity?

Immunocompromised patients

Immunocompetent patients

Infants and elderly patients

Patients who have allergic reactions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Immunocompromised patients:

Immunocompromised patients, whose immune systems are weakened or impaired, are indeed more vulnerable to drug toxicity. This vulnerability can be due to factors such as decreased ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs, increased susceptibility to infections and opportunistic pathogens, and impaired organ function, particularly in the liver and kidneys, which are involved in drug metabolism and excretion.

B. Immunocompetent patients:

Immunocompetent patients have normal immune function and are generally less vulnerable to drug toxicity compared to immunocompromised individuals. However, susceptibility to drug toxicity can still vary depending on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, renal and hepatic function, and concurrent use of other medications.

C. Infants and elderly patients:

Infants and elderly patients are more vulnerable to drug toxicity due to factors such as immature or declining organ function, altered drug metabolism and elimination, and differences in body composition. In infants, organ systems are still developing, while in elderly patients, age-related changes can affect drug pharmacokinetics and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

D. Patients who have allergic reactions:

Patients who have allergic reactions may experience adverse drug reactions if they are exposed to the offending medication again. However, this does not necessarily make them more vulnerable to drug toxicity in general. Allergic reactions are specific immune responses and differ from drug toxicity, which can occur due to various mechanisms unrelated to allergies.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Changes in mental status:

Changes in mental status are not typically associated with ototoxicity caused by gentamicin. Mental status changes may indicate other systemic effects or adverse reactions, but they are not specific to ototoxicity.

B. Complaints that he is unable to hear the television:

This complaint is highly indicative of ototoxicity. Hearing loss, particularly high-frequency hearing loss, is a common symptom of ototoxicity caused by drugs like gentamicin. Difficulty hearing sounds such as the television, especially at typical volume levels, suggests a potential problem with hearing function.

C. An increase in the BUN and creatinine:

An increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage, which can occur as a result of nephrotoxicity associated with gentamicin use. While nephrotoxicity is a known adverse effect of gentamicin, it is not specific to ototoxicity.

D. Tingling of the extremities:

Tingling of the extremities is not typically associated with ototoxicity caused by gentamicin. This symptom may suggest other neurological or systemic effects but is not specific to ototoxicity.

A. abdominal surgery requires starting antibiotic therapy 4 days before surgery B. a reduction of intestinal bacteria lessens the possibility of postoperative infection C. the bacteria found in the bowel cannot be destroyed after surgery D. Anesthesia makes the bowel resistant to an antibiotic after surgery

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Abdominal surgery requires starting antibiotic therapy 4 days before surgery:

This statement is not accurate. While antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly administered before certain types of surgery to prevent surgical site infections, the timing and duration of antibiotic therapy vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the patient’s medical history, and institutional guidelines. However, starting antibiotic therapy four days before surgery would not be standard practice for most abdominal surgeries.

B. A reduction of intestinal bacteria lessens the possibility of postoperative infection:

This statement is correct. Neomycin, as well as other antibiotics used in bowel preparation regimens, help reduce the population of intestinal bacteria. By decreasing the bacterial load in the bowel before surgery, the risk of contaminating the surgical site with harmful bacteria during the procedure is reduced, thus lowering the likelihood of postoperative infections.

C. The bacteria found in the bowel cannot be destroyed after surgery:

This statement is incorrect. While it is true that the bowel contains a complex ecosystem of bacteria that play important roles in digestion and other physiological functions, the population of intestinal bacteria can be temporarily reduced through the use of antibiotics, such as neomycin, as part of a bowel preparation regimen before surgery.

D. Anesthesia makes the bowel resistant to an antibiotic after surgery:

This statement is not accurate. Anesthesia does not render the bowel resistant to antibiotics after surgery. However, the administration of antibiotics during surgery and postoperatively may be indicated in certain cases to prevent or treat infections, particularly if the surgical procedure involves contamination of the abdominal cavity or if the patient is at increased risk of infection.

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Which of the following types of patients are more vulnerable to drug toxicity?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following complaints by a man taking gentamycin would be most indicative that he is experiencing ototoxicity?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is asked why neomycin is given as a bowel prep before GI surgery. The nurse correctly replies that:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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