A nurse is preparing to administer cephalexin oral suspension to an older adult client who has difficulty swallowing pills. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Store the medication at room temperature
Avoid shaking the medication before administration
Check the client for a penicillin allergy
Monitor the client for constipation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Cephalexin oral suspension should typically be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its stability and effectiveness. Storing it at room temperature could affect its potency.
B. Shaking the oral suspension is necessary to ensure the medication is evenly distributed before each dose, providing the client with the correct dosage of active ingredients. Failure to shake the suspension can result in uneven dosing.
C. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and there is a potential for cross-sensitivity in clients who are allergic to penicillin. Up to 10% of people with a penicillin allergy may also be allergic to cephalosporins. Checking for a penicillin allergy helps prevent an adverse reaction, making it a critical safety measure before administering cephalexin.
D. While some antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal side effects, constipation is not a common adverse effect associated with cephalexin. The nurse should instead monitor for other side effects like diarrhea, which is more typical with antibiotics and can indicate a mild side effect or a more severe condition, such as Clostridioides difficile infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to release slowly over time to protect the stomach lining from irritation. Crushing the medication would defeat this purpose and could cause stomach irritation or other side effects.
Correct Answer is A
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Dyspnea (difficulty breathing), an increased respiratory rate, and cyanosis (bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen) are early signs of respiratory distress that the nurse should assess for in a patient who has been given a neuromuscular-blocking agent. These medications can cause respiratory depression and compromise the patient’s ability to breathe effectively.
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