A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

Choice A reason: Antiviral drugs are not solely for palliative care. They inhibit viral replication, reducing viral load and disease severity, as with acyclovir for herpes. While some provide symptomatic relief, many target specific viral processes, aiming for virologic suppression or cure, not just palliation.

Choice B reason: Antiviral drugs, like acyclovir, inhibit viral replication (e.g., DNA polymerase), but some, like chemotherapy agents, can affect healthy cells with high turnover, causing side effects like myelosuppression. This non-specificity is a key consideration, as it limits dosing and requires monitoring for toxicity.

Choice C reason: Antiviral efficacy does not depend on avoiding re-exposure. Drugs like oseltamivir reduce viral replication during active infection, but re-exposure may cause new infections. Prophylaxis or vaccination prevents reinfection, not the drug’s initial effectiveness, making this statement incorrect for antiviral therapy.

Choice D reason: Antivirals cannot be dosed to eradicate viruses without harming healthy cells. Their mechanisms, like inhibiting viral enzymes, often affect host cells, causing toxicity (e.g., nephrotoxicity with acyclovir). Dose limitations balance efficacy and safety, preventing complete viral eradication without side effects.

Choice A reason: Prednisone is not contraindicated in cerebral edema; it is often used to reduce swelling by decreasing inflammation and vascular permeability. Its anti-inflammatory effects stabilize the blood-brain barrier, making it beneficial in conditions like cerebral edema caused by trauma or tumors, though monitoring is required.

Choice B reason: Prednisone is contraindicated in peptic ulcer disease due to its ability to increase gastric acid secretion and reduce mucosal protection, exacerbating ulcers or causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Corticosteroids inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, weakening the gastric lining, which can lead to severe complications in patients with pre-existing ulcers.

Choice C reason: Prednisone is not contraindicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is used in acute exacerbations to reduce airway inflammation and improve symptoms. While long-term use requires caution due to systemic side effects, it is not contraindicated and is often part of COPD management protocols.

Choice D reason: Tuberculous meningitis is not an absolute contraindication for prednisone. In fact, corticosteroids like prednisone are used adjunctively with antitubercular therapy to reduce inflammation and prevent complications like hydrocephalus. Careful monitoring is needed to avoid worsening infection, but it is not contraindicated in this condition.