A patient is experiencing nausea and decreased appetite during drug therapy with a tetracycline antibiotic.
What is the nurse’s best advice to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Fluconazole Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat and prevent fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of fungus. However, it is not effective against bacterial infections such as anthrax.

Choice B rationale:

Tobramycin Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections, particularly Gramnegative infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. However, it is not typically used to treat anthrax.

Choice C rationale:

Ciprofloxacin Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, certain type of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, typhoid fever, and urinary tract infections, among others. For the treatment of anthrax, ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics that could be used. It works by killing the anthrax or by stopping the anthrax from growing. When the anthrax can’t grow anymore, it dies.

Choice D rationale:

Vancomycin Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, and meningitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, it is not typically used to treat anthrax.

Choice A rationale:

Sodium levels in the blood are typically between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). A sodium level of 140 mEq/L falls within this range, indicating normal sodium levels. Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance. A normal sodium level is therefore crucial for the body’s overall function.

Choice B rationale:

A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is considered normal for a fasting blood sugar test. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. It comes from the food you eat and is carried through your bloodstream to the cells of your body. If the glucose level in the blood is too high or too low, it can indicate a medical condition such as diabetes.

Choice C rationale:

Potassium levels in the blood are typically between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within this range, indicating normal potassium levels. Potassium is a type of electrolyte that is vital to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mmol/L can be dangerous and usually requires immediate treatment.

Choice D rationale:

The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is a routine test used to assess kidney function. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that’s created in your liver when the body breaks down proteins. Healthy kidneys filter urea nitrogen from your blood, but when your kidneys aren’t working well, the BUN level rises. The normal range for BUN is typically around 7-20 mg/dL2. A BUN level of 55 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range, indicating that the kidneys may not be functioning properly. This is a critical finding that should be reported to the provider before initiating the medication amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. However, it is known for its severe and potentially lethal side effects, including kidney damage. Therefore, a high BUN level should be reported to the provider before initiating this medication.