Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index.
The nurse recognizes that this characteristic indicates which of these?

Choice A rationale:

Double vision is not a common side effect of quinolones. Quinolones are a type of antibiotic that are used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. While they can have side effects, double vision is not typically one of them.

Choice B rationale:

Tendonitis and tendon rupture are known adverse effects of quinolones. These antibiotics can very rarely cause long-lasting, disabling, and potentially irreversible side effects, sometimes affecting multiple systems, organ classes, and senses. One of these side effects is damage to the tendons, which can manifest as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) or even tendon rupture. This is particularly a concern for people older than 60 years and for those with renal impairment or solid-organ transplants because they are at a higher risk of tendon injury.

Choice C rationale:

Neuralgia, or nerve pain, is not a common side effect of quinolones. While these antibiotics can affect the nervous system and cause side effects such as peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, neuralgia is not typically reported.

Choice D rationale:

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with the use of quinolones. These antibiotics can have various side effects, but a significant drop in blood pressure is not commonly reported.

Choice A rationale:

Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling. However, one of the key reasons aspirin is administered to a patient with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is due to its antiplatelet aggregate properties. This effect reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. If a patient has recently had surgery on clogged arteries (such as bypass surgery, carotid endarterectomy, coronary stent), doctors may direct them to use aspirin in low doses as a “blood thinner” to prevent blood clots.

Choice B rationale:

While aspirin does have analgesic properties, meaning it can relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches, this is not the primary reason it would be administered to a patient with a history of MI. The main goal in this context is to prevent further cardiac events, which is achieved through aspirin’s antiplatelet effects.

Choice C rationale:

Aspirin does have anti-inflammatory properties and it may be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. However, in the context of a patient with a history of MI, the anti-inflammatory property is not the primary reason for administering aspirin. The key purpose is to leverage its antiplatelet effects to prevent further cardiac events.

Choice D rationale:

Aspirin can be used to reduce fever, which is what the term ‘antipyretic’ refers to. However, similar to the analgesic and antiinflammatory properties, the antipyretic property is not the primary reason for administering aspirin to a patient with a history of MI. The main goal is to prevent further cardiac events through its antiplatelet effects.