A nurse is administering imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin) to a client who has a severe infection. The client asks the nurse why this medication is given in combination. The nurse should respond with which of the following statements?
“The combination enhances the antimicrobial activity of imipenem.”
“The combination reduces the risk of allergic reactions to imipenem.”
“The combination prevents the degradation of imipenem by renal enzymes.”
“The combination lowers the dosage requirement of imipenem.”.
The Correct Answer is C
T
he combination of imipenem and cilastatin prevents the degradation of imipenem by renal enzymes. Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall. Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the metabolism of imipenem by renal brush-border enzymes, thus increasing imipenem concentrations in urine.
Choice A is wrong because the combination does not enhance the antimicrobial activity of imipenem, but rather preserves its activity by preventing its breakdown.
Choice B is wrong because the combination does not reduce the risk of allergic reactions to imipenem, but rather increases the risk of side effects such as diarrhea, rash, fever, and seizures.
Choice D is wrong because the combination does not lower the dosage requirement of imipenem, but rather allows for higher dosages to be administered depending on the organism sensitivity and the severity of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids and advise the client to avoid sunlight exposure when taking sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim).Drinking fluids can help prevent crystalluria and kidney damage caused by the medication.Avoiding sunlight exposure can prevent photosensitivity reactions that can cause skin rash, itching, or burning.
Choice A is wrong because sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim does not affect blood glucose levels.This is a possible side effect of some other antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones.
Choice D is wrong because sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim can be taken with or without food.Taking it with food may help reduce nausea or stomach upset, but it is not necessary.
Choice E is wrong because sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim does not affect platelet count.This is a possible side effect of some other antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the serum creatinine level of the client who is receiving gentamicin because this medication can cause nephrotoxicity, which is damage to the kidneys.Serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function and it should be within the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults.
If the serum creatinine level increases, it indicates that the kidneys are not filtering the waste products properly and the dose of gentamicin may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
Choice B. Serum potassium is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the potassium level in the blood.Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function and it should be within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L for adults.Abnormal potassium levels can be caused by other factors such as dehydration, kidney disease, diuretics, or acid-base imbalance.
Choice C. Serum albumin is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the albumin level in the blood.Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood and it should be within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL for adults.Low albumin levels can be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, liver disease, inflammation, or blood loss.
Choice D. Serum bilirubin is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the bilirubin level in the blood.Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cell breakdown and it should be within the normal range of 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults.
High bilirubin levels can be caused by other factors such as hemolysis, liver
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