A patient has been ordered azithromycin [Zithromax] and asks the nurse why the medication does not have to be taken as often as other antibiotics that have previously been ordered. What is the nurse's best response?
"This drug has a longer duration of action than some of the other antibiotics."
"This is a much more effective drug than what you received previously."
"I'll call the pharmacy and ask about the chemical makeup of the drug."
"You'll need to ask your healthcare provider questions like that."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "This drug has a longer duration of action than some of the other antibiotics."
Explanation: Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has a longer half-life in the body compared to some other antibiotics. Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. A longer half-life means the drug remains effective for a longer duration, allowing for less frequent dosing.
B. "This is a much more effective drug than what you received previously."
Explanation: While azithromycin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, it's not accurate to say it's universally more effective than other antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific type of infection and the susceptibility of the bacteria causing it. Effectiveness varies based on the context of use.
C. "I'll call the pharmacy and ask about the chemical makeup of the drug."
Explanation: While understanding the chemical makeup of drugs is important for healthcare professionals, it might not directly answer the patient's question about the dosing frequency. Explaining the drug's pharmacological properties, such as its duration of action, would provide a more relevant and understandable response to the patient's query.
D. "You'll need to ask your healthcare provider questions like that."
Explanation: This response does not provide the patient with the information they seek. Nurses are valuable resources for medication-related questions and should strive to provide accurate and understandable explanations to patients.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
Explanation: Tetracycline antibiotics interfere with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosomes. This binding prevents the attachment of transfer RNA (tRNA) to the messenger RNA (mRNA) complex, effectively inhibiting the production of proteins that are crucial for bacterial growth and replication.
B. "Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline primarily affects protein synthesis, not RNA synthesis. It doesn't block the creation of RNA molecules in bacteria.
C. "Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline antibiotics do not target bacterial cell walls. Agents like penicillins and cephalosporins are examples of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell walls.
D. "Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline does bind to certain metal ions, but it's not primarily through magnesium ions. The binding to bacterial ribosomes is a key mechanism of action for tetracyclines.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
Tetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosomes, which are crucial for making proteins. This disruption in protein synthesis prevents bacterial growth and replication.
B. "Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
Tetracycline primarily affects protein synthesis, not RNA synthesis. It binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and disrupts the translation process.
C. "Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
Tetracycline does not target the bacterial cell wall. Drugs like penicillin and cephalosporins work by disrupting cell wall synthesis, but tetracycline operates differently by inhibiting protein synthesis.
D. "Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
Tetracycline does not specifically bind to magnesium ions. Its primary mode of action involves binding to the bacterial ribosome, as mentioned in the first correct statement.
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