A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine.

The prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine due to its dose-limiting adverse effect.

Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Administering the antibiotic dose before obtaining the cultures could potentially affect the results of the cultures. Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, so administering them before obtaining the cultures could lead to false negatives. This could lead to incorrect or delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Choice B rationale:

While obtaining the urine culture before administering the antibiotic dose is a good step, it should not be done before obtaining the blood culture. Blood cultures are usually obtained before urine cultures because they can help identify bacteria or fungi in the blood. This can be crucial in diagnosing conditions like sepsis. Furthermore, administering the antibiotic dose before obtaining the blood culture could affect the results of the culture.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining the blood culture before administering the antibiotic dose is a good step, but the urine culture should also be obtained before the antibiotic dose is administered. Administering the antibiotic dose before obtaining all necessary cultures could affect the results of the cultures and lead to incorrect or delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct sequence of actions. The nurse should first obtain both blood and urine cultures before administering the antibiotic dose. This is because the antibiotic could potentially kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, which could affect the results of the cultures. By obtaining the cultures first, the healthcare team can ensure they are getting accurate results that have not been influenced by the antibiotics. This can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment plan.

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. In fact, one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is increased bowel movement. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by the overproduction of hormones from the thyroid gland.

Choice B rationale:

Weight gain is not a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. On the contrary, weight loss is one of the symptoms of this condition. This is because hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism, causing increased calorie burning and significant weight loss. Choice C rationale:

Sensitivity to cold is not a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Instead, individuals with hyperthyroidism often have an increased sensitivity to heat. This is due to the increased metabolic rate which can cause excessive sweating and hot flashes.

Choice D rationale:

Frequent mood changes are a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. The overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland can lead to symptoms such as irritability and restlessness. Additionally, other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping can also contribute to mood changes.