A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for penicillin
V. Which of the following adverse effects is the priority for the nurse to monitor after the administration of the medication?
Laryngeal edema.
Urticaria.
Epigastric distress.
Maculopapular rash.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Laryngeal edema is a severe manifestation of an immediate hypersensitivity (Type I anaphylactic) reaction to penicillin. It involves swelling of the larynx, leading to airway obstruction, stridor, and difficulty breathing. This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical intervention, including epinephrine and airway management, making it the priority to monitor.
Choice B rationale
Urticaria, or hives, is a common cutaneous manifestation of a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin. It involves transient, itchy wheals on the skin due to histamine release. While uncomfortable and requiring attention, it is typically not life-threatening unless accompanied by systemic symptoms like laryngeal edema or bronchospasm.
Choice C rationale
Epigastric distress, such as stomach upset or pain, is a common gastrointestinal adverse effect of oral penicillin V, often due to direct irritation of the gastric mucosa or altered gut flora. While it can cause discomfort, it is generally not a life-threatening condition and can often be managed with food or dose adjustment.
Choice D rationale
Maculopapular rash is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin, usually appearing several days after initiation of therapy. It presents as flat, red areas with small raised bumps. While it indicates a drug allergy, it is generally not immediately life-threatening compared to acute airway compromise and resolves upon discontinuation of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Somatropin is a synthetic growth hormone used to treat growth hormone deficiency. The primary therapeutic effect of this medication is to promote linear growth in children. Therefore, monitoring the child's height monthly is a direct and quantifiable measure to evaluate the effectiveness of somatropin therapy and ensure that the child is achieving the expected growth velocity.
Choice B rationale
While thyroid function can influence growth, and growth hormone deficiency can sometimes coexist with or impact thyroid axis, evaluating the therapeutic effect of somatropin directly involves assessing growth. Monitoring thyroid function is important for overall endocrine health but is not the primary measure for the therapeutic effect of somatropin itself, assuming thyroid function is within normal limits (e.g., TSH 0.4-4.0 mIU/L, free T4 0.8-1.8 ng/dL).
Choice C rationale
Checking the child's sodium level regularly is not a direct measure of the therapeutic effect of somatropin. Growth hormone can influence fluid balance, but sodium levels (normal range 135-145 mEq/L) are primarily monitored for hydration status or potential adverse effects like fluid retention, not as an indicator of growth hormone's efficacy in promoting growth.
Choice D rationale
Measuring the child's abdominal girth is a measure of abdominal circumference, primarily used to assess abdominal distention, fluid accumulation, or changes in visceral fat. It is not a relevant parameter for evaluating the therapeutic effect of somatropin, which is specifically aimed at stimulating linear bone growth and overall somatic growth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic that primarily inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system. It does not significantly interact with clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication, regarding its antiplatelet activity or bleeding risk. Therefore, reporting acetaminophen use to the provider is generally not a high priority unless liver concerns exist.
Choice B rationale
Valerian is an herbal supplement commonly used for sleep and anxiety. It primarily interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. There is no significant scientific evidence or known pharmacokinetic interaction between valerian and clopidogrel that would necessitate reporting its use to the provider due to increased bleeding risk.
Choice C rationale
Vitamin B refers to a group of water-soluble vitamins crucial for various cellular metabolic processes. Generally, vitamin B supplements do not have a known significant interaction with clopidogrel that would alter its antiplatelet effect or increase bleeding risk. Therefore, taking vitamin B is not typically a concern to report.
Choice D rationale
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement known for its antiplatelet properties due to its ability to inhibit platelet-activating factor. Concomitant use with clopidogrel, another potent antiplatelet agent, significantly increases the risk of bleeding. This synergistic effect on platelet aggregation warrants immediate reporting to the provider for assessment and potential dosage adjustments.
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