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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Tetracycline can increase the levels of digoxin (Lanoxin) in the blood, leading to an increased risk of digoxin toxicity. This interaction occurs because tetracycline can interfere with the metabolism and excretion of digoxin, causing higher concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream1. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, patients taking both medications should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity and may require dosage adjustments.
Choice B rationale: Phenytoin (Dilantin) does not have a significant interaction with tetracycline that increases the risk of toxicity. While both medications can be used together, they do not significantly affect each other's metabolism or excretion1.
Choice C rationale: Vancomycin (Vancocin) does not have a significant interaction with tetracycline that increases the risk of toxicity. Both medications can be used together without causing significant changes in their metabolism or excretion1.
Choice D rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) does not have a significant interaction with tetracycline that increases the risk of toxicity. While both medications can be used together, they do not significantly affect each other's metabolism or excretion
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