A nurse is educating a client who has been prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection. The nurse emphasizes the importance of completing the full course and informs the client about the signs and symptoms of a superinfection. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the nurse's teaching?
"If I develop new symptoms like severe diarrhea, I should ignore them and finish the antibiotics."
I need to finish all my antibiotics and report any unusual symptoms like a white coating on my tongue to my doctor.
"It is okay to share my antibiotics with family members if they have similar symptoms to mine."
I should stop taking the antibiotics as soon as feel better to avoid any side effects."
The Correct Answer is B
A) "If I develop new symptoms like severe diarrhea, I should ignore them and finish the antibiotics."
New symptoms like severe diarrhea, especially if it is watery or bloody, can be a sign of a superinfection, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which is associated with antibiotic use. It is essential for the client to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. Ignoring such symptoms can lead to serious complications.
B) "I need to finish all my antibiotics and report any unusual symptoms like a white coating on my tongue to my doctor."
Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to fully eradicate the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. The white coating on the tongue could indicate a fungal superinfection, such as oral thrush, which requires medical attention. This statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of finishing antibiotics and recognizing potential side effects or superinfections.
C) "It is okay to share my antibiotics with family members if they have similar symptoms to mine."
Antibiotics should never be shared with others, even if they have similar symptoms. The antibiotics prescribed to a client are tailored to treat their specific infection, and taking the wrong antibiotic can lead to ineffective treatment, drug resistance, or adverse reactions. Sharing medication is dangerous and illegal.
D) "I should stop taking the antibiotics as soon as I feel better to avoid any side effects."
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the client starts feeling better before the course is finished. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can result in the infection not being fully treated, leading to a relapse or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The two main purposes for diuretics are to decrease fluid and decrease hypertension (lower blood pressure):
Diuretics primarily work by promoting the excretion of excess sodium and water from the body, which decreases fluid volume. This reduction in fluid volume helps to lower blood pressure, especially in conditions like hypertension and heart failure, where fluid buildup can exacerbate symptoms.
B) The two main purposes are to decrease fluid volume in the tissues and circulation, increasing blood pressure:
The primary purpose of diuretics is to decrease fluid volume, which helps lower blood pressure, not increase it. Diuretics are used to reduce the workload on the heart and the risk of complications like stroke and heart failure by lowering blood pressure and removing excess fluid from the body.
C) The two main purposes of diuretics are to increase fluid in the body and blood pressure:
Diuretics do not increase fluid in the body. In fact, they decrease fluid in the body to help reduce blood pressure. This option contradicts the fundamental mechanism of action of diuretics.
D) The two main purposes of diuretics are to increase circulating fluid and lower blood pressure:
Diuretics do not increase circulating fluid; they decrease it. By promoting the excretion of sodium and water, diuretics decrease the volume of circulating fluid, which is a key factor in lowering blood pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Distribution:. Distribution refers to the process by which a drug is transported throughout the body after it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It involves the movement of the drug to various tissues and organs, where it can exert its effects. Factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, and protein binding affect distribution.
B) Metabolism:
Metabolism refers to the biochemical process by which the body breaks down drugs into metabolites, usually in the liver. Metabolism can transform drugs into more easily excreted forms and sometimes alters the drug’s activity. It is essential for drug clearance and can affect drug efficacy and toxicity.
C) Absorption:
Absorption is the first step in pharmacokinetics, where the drug enters the bloodstream after being administered. It occurs primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for oral medications but can also happen in other routes like subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. The rate and extent of absorption are influenced by factors such as drug formulation, route of administration, and presence of food.
D) Synthesis:
Synthesis refers to the process of creating substances, such as drugs or other compounds, typically within the body or in a laboratory setting. While drug synthesis is crucial in drug development, it is not a step involved in the movement or processing of drugs within the body (which is what pharmacokinetics describes). Pharmacokinetics focuses on how the body handles drugs, not how they are created.
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