Before starting antimicrobial therapy, the nurse assesses a patient for possible drug allergy. Which of the following complaints should alert the nurse to a drug allergy?

Headaches

Hives or shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Nausea

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Headaches:

Headaches are a common symptom that can occur for various reasons, including stress, tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medications. While headaches can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain drugs, they are not specific indicators of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

B. Hives or shortness of breath:

Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can occur as an allergic reaction to medications. They are a common manifestation of drug allergies. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur as part of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Both hives and shortness of breath are significant signs of a potential drug allergy and require immediate attention.

C. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of medications, including antibiotics. However, it is not typically a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disturbances or as a reaction to changes in gut flora due to antibiotic use.

D. Nausea:

Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. While it can be bothersome, nausea alone is not a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Discoloration of body fluids:

Vancomycin can cause discoloration of body fluids, particularly urine, resulting in a brownish discoloration. However, this is not caused by histamine release.

B. Ototoxicity:

Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear structures leading to hearing loss or balance problems. While vancomycin can cause ototoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.

C. Red-man syndrome

Red-man syndrome, also known as red-neck syndrome or red-person syndrome, is a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by flushing of the skin, particularly the upper body and face, resembling a "red man." This reaction is typically associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin and is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. It is not an allergic reaction but rather a non-immunologic response to vancomycin.

D. Nephrotoxicity:

Nephrotoxicity refers to kidney damage caused by certain medications or toxins. While vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.

A. Keep the serum drug level within the therapeutic margin B. increase the therapeutic effect of the drug by gradually decreasing the drug dose C. Provide maximum physical comfort to the patient D. Treat the main disorder with no psychological distress to the patient

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Keep the serum drug level within the therapeutic margin:

This is the correct goal of monitoring peak and trough levels during antibacterial therapy. The therapeutic margin refers to the range of drug concentrations in the bloodstream that achieves optimal therapeutic effects while avoiding toxicity. By monitoring peak and trough levels, healthcare providers can adjust the dosing regimen to maintain drug levels within this therapeutic margin.

B. Increase the therapeutic effect of the drug by gradually decreasing the drug dose:

This statement is incorrect. Monitoring peak and trough levels is not about increasing the therapeutic effect of the drug by gradually decreasing the drug dose. Instead, it's about ensuring that the drug levels are maintained within the appropriate therapeutic range to achieve optimal efficacy without causing adverse effects.

C. Provide maximum physical comfort to the patient:

Monitoring peak and trough levels is not primarily aimed at providing physical comfort to the patient. While optimizing drug therapy can contribute to improved clinical outcomes and patient well-being, the goal of monitoring these levels is specifically related to achieving therapeutic drug concentrations.

D. Treat the main disorder with no psychological distress to the patient:

This statement is unrelated to the goal of monitoring peak and trough levels during antibacterial therapy. While psychological distress may be a consideration in patient care, the primary goal of monitoring drug levels is to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Before starting antimicrobial therapy, the nurse assesses a patient for possible drug allergy. Which of the following complaints should alert the nurse to a drug allergy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which adverse effect unique to vancomycin is caused by histamine release?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which of the following is the goal of monitoring peak and trough levels during antibacterial therapy?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Mr. Thomas, who is receiving oral penicillin, reports that he has a sore mouth. On inspection, the nurse notes bright red oral mucous membranes with some white patches. The primary care provider is notified immediately because these symptoms may be caused by:

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who reports motion sickness about using an herbal supplement. The nurse should identify that the client can use which of the following herbal supplements to help control nausea?

The nurse explains that is regard to regulation by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, dietary supplements:

A patient asks the nurse to define hypersensitivity reaction. The nurse begins by telling the patient that a hypersensitivity reaction is also called:

The nurse is discharging a client to home with a prescription for clarithromycin (Biaxin). The nurse knows that teaching has been effective when the client states:

The nurse is instructing a client who has been prescribed tetracycline (Sumycin). What should the nurse advise this client to avoid while taking this medication?

When beginning herbal products, the nurse understands that the best way to identify allergic or other adverse reactions is to have the client: