The nurse administers the initial dose of cefoxitin to a client whose medical record indicates an allergy to penicillin. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
Diminished renal output.
Pruritis and macular rash.
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Vaginal discharge.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Diminished renal output:
Diminished renal output could be a potential concern with cefoxitin administration, as it is primarily excreted by the kidneys. However, it is not specifically related to the client’s allergy to penicillin. While it warrants monitoring, it is not the most critical finding to report in this context.
B) Pruritis and macular rash:
The development of pruritis (itchiness) and a macular rash (flat, discolored skin lesions) following the administration of cefoxitin in a client with a documented allergy to penicillin is a significant finding. It suggests a possible allergic reaction to cefoxitin, which belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporins is well-documented, with some cephalosporins having a higher risk of allergic reactions in individuals with penicillin allergy. Therefore, pruritis and rash in this context may indicate an allergic response, and it is crucial to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
C) Vomiting and diarrhea:
While gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur as adverse effects of cefoxitin, they are not specific to an allergic reaction and may occur with various medications. While it is essential to monitor for these symptoms, they are not the most important findings to report in the context of a known penicillin allergy.
D) Vaginal discharge:
Vaginal discharge is not typically associated with an allergic reaction to cefoxitin. While changes in vaginal discharge may be clinically relevant in certain contexts, such as indicating a possible yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, it is not directly related to the client’s allergy to penicillin or the administration of cefoxitin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Schedule both medications at bedtime:
Administering both medications at bedtime may not be the most appropriate schedule. PTU is typically administered multiple times a day to maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, administering Lugol’s solution at bedtime may not provide sufficient time for the iodine to take effect before the PTU.
B) Administer iodine one hour before PTU:
This option is correct. Lugol’s solution, a strong iodine solution, is often given before antithyroid medications such as PTU or methimazole to temporarily block thyroid hormone production. Administering iodine about one hour before PTU allows the iodine to be taken up by the thyroid gland, effectively reducing thyroid hormone synthesis before the PTU starts to inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3.
C) Give parental dose once every 24 hours:
This option does not address the timing of administration between PTU and Lugol’s solution. While it may be correct for the dosing frequency of PTU, it does not specify when to administer Lugol’s solution in relation to PTU.
D) Offer both drugs together with a meal:
Administering both drugs together with a meal may not be appropriate, especially considering that Lugol’s solution needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream to exert its effect on the thyroid gland. Administering Lugol’s solution and PTU together may not allow adequate time for the iodine to take effect before the PTU starts to inhibit thyroid hormone production.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Stop the oral contraceptive immediately:
This instruction is incorrect and potentially harmful. Suddenly stopping oral contraceptives can lead to unintended pregnancy and disrupt the client's menstrual cycle. It's crucial for the client to continue taking their oral contraceptive unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
B) Use an additional form of contraception:
This is the correct recommendation. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by altering gut flora and potentially interfering with their absorption. Therefore, using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, is advised while taking erythromycin to prevent unintended pregnancy.
C) Take the medications at least 12 hours apart:
While spacing medications apart can sometimes minimize interactions, specific instructions regarding the timing of erythromycin and oral contraceptive administration should be obtained from the healthcare provider. Simply spacing the medications apart may not sufficiently prevent contraceptive failure.
D) Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight:
This instruction is unrelated to the interaction between erythromycin and oral contraceptives. While erythromycin can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), it does not directly affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Therefore, while it's important to advise clients to protect themselves from sun exposure while taking erythromycin, it's not directly related to contraceptive use.
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