A nurse needs to administer a cephalosporin to a patient.
The patient informs the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin.
Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Inform the primary health care provider.

Obtain the patient's occupational history.

Administer an antipyretic drug.

Obtain specimens for kidney function tests.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The most appropriate action for the nurse in this situation is to inform the primary healthcare provider. When a patient with a known penicillin allergy requires a cephalosporin, it's essential to inform the primary healthcare provider because cephalosporins, while structurally related to penicillins, may or may not cross-react with penicillin allergies. The provider needs to assess the patient's allergy history and determine if it's safe to administer the cephalosporin.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining the patient's occupational history is not the most appropriate action in this scenario. Allergic reactions to medications are not related to the patient's occupation, and it doesn't address the immediate concern of potential cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporin allergies.

Choice C rationale:

Administering an antipyretic drug is not the most appropriate action in this case. The patient's known penicillin allergy and the need for a cephalosporin are the primary concerns. Treating a potential allergic reaction with an antipyretic should only be considered after consultation with the primary healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining specimens for kidney function tests is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While assessing kidney function is important in some cases, it doesn't address the immediate issue of the patient's penicillin allergy and the need for a cephalosporin. The primary focus should be on ensuring the safety of the antibiotic choice.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tetracyclines are not narrow-spectrum antibiotics. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics. Tetracyclines are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This is important in treating various infections, but it also means they can disrupt the normal flora of the gut, potentially leading to issues like antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

Tetracyclines may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth in children. This is a well-known adverse effect of tetracycline antibiotics. It primarily occurs in children under the age of 8, whose teeth are still developing. Tetracyclines can bind to calcium ions in teeth, leading to a yellow or grayish discoloration. This is why tetracyclines are generally avoided in children and pregnant women.

Choice C rationale:

Tetracyclines can be used when penicillins are contraindicated. Tetracyclines and penicillins are different classes of antibiotics, and being contraindicated for one does not necessarily mean the other is also contraindicated. Tetracyclines can be an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate penicillins due to allergies or other contraindications.

Choice D rationale:

Tetracyclines are not contraindicated in children younger than 9 years. This statement is not accurate. Tetracyclines are contraindicated in children under the age of 8 due to the risk of tooth discoloration. After the age of 8, tetracyclines can be used in children, but caution is still required.

Choice E rationale:

Tetracyclines are not used to treat influenza. Influenza is caused by viruses, not bacteria, and tetracyclines are antibiotics that target bacteria. Influenza is typically treated with antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

A. Instruct patient to increase dietary intake. B. Inform the primary health provider immediately. C. Record assessments on the patient's chart. D. Inquire about any previous drug allergies.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the patient to increase dietary intake is not the most likely intervention when a patient shows improvement with penicillin therapy. Dietary advice would be more relevant if the patient was experiencing gastrointestinal side effects or had specific nutritional needs due to their condition or treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Informing the primary health provider immediately is not typically necessary when a patient shows improvement with penicillin therapy. It's crucial to continue monitoring the patient's progress, but this choice suggests an unnecessary action.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct answer. When a patient undergoing penicillin therapy shows improvement, the nurse should record assessments and observations on the patient's chart. This helps track the patient's progress and ensures that the healthcare team has up-to-date information about the patient's condition.

Choice D rationale:

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A nurse needs to administer a cephalosporin to a patient.The patient informs the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin.Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After teaching a group of students about tetracyclines, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as a true statement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse needs to administer a cephalosporin to a patient.
The patient informs the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin.
Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?