A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. If the client requires a reversal of the effects of heparin, which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

A. Hypertension. Filgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), primarily stimulates white blood cell production. While minor blood pressure fluctuations can occur, hypertension is not a common or significant adverse effect. Monitoring blood pressure is important, but sustained hypertension is not expected.

B. Fluid retention. Filgrastim does not typically cause significant fluid retention. Medications such as corticosteroids or certain chemotherapeutic agents are more likely to lead to fluid overload. While rare cases of capillary leak syndrome have been reported, general fluid retention is not a primary concern.

C. Bone pain. Bone pain is the most common adverse effect of filgrastim. The medication stimulates bone marrow activity, leading to increased production of neutrophils, which can cause discomfort in bones, particularly in long bones such as the femur and sternum. Pain is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with acetaminophen or NSAIDs if appropriate.

D. Hypokalemia. Filgrastim does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Electrolyte imbalances are more commonly associated with diuretics, corticosteroids, or chemotherapy. Clients on filgrastim typically do not require routine potassium monitoring unless other risk factors are present.

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.