A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic liver disease. Which of the following medications should the nurse recognize as appropriate for this client?

A. Fluconazole. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, such as candidiasis. It is not related to penicillin and does not pose a risk for cross-reactivity in clients with a penicillin allergy. It can be safely administered in this scenario.

B. Tetracycline. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including acne and respiratory infections. It belongs to a different antibiotic class than penicillins and cephalosporins, meaning it does not pose a risk of cross-reactivity in clients with a penicillin allergy.

C. Acyclovir. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes simplex and varicella-zoster. Since it does not belong to the beta-lactam antibiotic class, it is not contraindicated for clients with a penicillin allergy.

D. Cephalexin. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin, which shares a similar beta-lactam ring structure with penicillins. Clients with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin are at increased risk of cross-reactivity with cephalosporins, particularly first-generation ones like cephalexin. Due to the severity of the client’s allergic reaction, cephalexin should be avoided, and an alternative non-beta-lactam antibiotic should be considered.

A. Orthostatic hypotension. Prednisone does not typically cause orthostatic hypotension. Instead, corticosteroids can lead to fluid retention and hypertension due to their effects on sodium and water balance. Orthostatic hypotension is more commonly associated with medications such as diuretics or antihypertensives.

B. Hyperglycemia. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that increases blood glucose levels by enhancing gluconeogenesis and reducing insulin sensitivity. This effect can make blood sugar more difficult to control in clients who take insulin, potentially requiring higher insulin doses to maintain glycemic control. Clients with diabetes or those taking insulin should closely monitor their blood glucose levels while on prednisone.

C. Paresthesia. Paresthesia (numbness or tingling) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone or a direct interaction with insulin. While uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, prednisone does not typically cause neurological symptoms like tingling.

D. Jaundice. Prednisone is not commonly associated with hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction leading to jaundice. However, long-term corticosteroid use may increase liver enzyme levels, but it does not typically cause direct liver damage or bile obstruction. Jaundice would require evaluation for other underlying liver conditions.