The nurse is administering an amphotericin B infusion. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? (Select all that apply)
Using an infusion pump for IV therapy
Discontinuing the drug immediately if the patient develops tingling and numbness in the extremities
If adverse effects occur, reducing the IV rate gradually until they subside
Administering the medication by rapid IV infusion
Monitoring the IV site for signs of phlebitis and infiltration
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A reason: Using an infusion pump ensures precise delivery of amphotericin B, which requires controlled infusion rates to minimize toxicity. Amphotericin B’s nephrotoxic and infusion-related reactions (e.g., fever, chills) necessitate accurate dosing, as rapid administration increases adverse effects, making pumps essential for safe administration.
Choice B reason: Discontinuing amphotericin B for tingling and numbness is appropriate, as these may indicate neurotoxicity or severe infusion reactions. Stopping the infusion prevents further exposure, allowing assessment of potential electrolyte imbalances or neurological damage, ensuring patient safety during this high-risk antifungal therapy.
Choice C reason: Reducing the IV rate for adverse effects like fever or chills may be appropriate, but tingling and numbness require immediate discontinuation, as they suggest serious toxicity. Rate reduction is insufficient for neurological symptoms, which demand urgent evaluation to prevent irreversible harm, making this action less prioritized.
Choice D reason: Rapid IV infusion of amphotericin B is inappropriate, as it increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and infusion reactions. Slow, controlled infusion over several hours minimizes toxicity, as amphotericin B’s binding to ergosterol causes systemic effects that worsen with faster administration, making this incorrect.
Choice E reason: Monitoring the IV site for phlebitis and infiltration is essential, as amphotericin B is irritating to veins. Phlebitis or extravasation can cause tissue damage, and regular site checks ensure proper drug delivery and prevent complications, supporting safe administration of this potent antifungal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding smoking is appropriate, as it can exacerbate asthma and reduce theophylline efficacy by inducing hepatic CYP450 enzymes, increasing drug clearance. This statement reflects correct understanding, as smoke exposure worsens airway inflammation, and theophylline’s narrow therapeutic index requires stable metabolism.
Choice B reason: Taking an extra dose of theophylline during an asthma attack is dangerous. Theophylline, a methylxanthine, is used for maintenance, not acute relief, due to its slow onset and narrow therapeutic index. Extra doses risk toxicity (e.g., seizures, arrhythmias), requiring immediate nurse intervention to correct this misconception.
Choice C reason: Doubling a missed theophylline dose is unsafe due to its narrow therapeutic index. Theophylline’s metabolism varies, and doubling doses can lead to toxic levels, causing nausea, tachycardia, or seizures. The nurse must intervene to educate the patient on adhering to the prescribed schedule without adjustments.
Choice D reason: Avoiding caffeine is correct, as it is a methylxanthine like theophylline, potentially increasing plasma levels and toxicity by competing for metabolism. Caffeine can exacerbate theophylline’s side effects like nervousness or tachycardia, so this statement reflects appropriate patient understanding and does not require intervention.
Choice E reason: Routine follow-up to monitor theophylline levels is appropriate due to its narrow therapeutic index (10-20 mcg/mL). Regular blood tests ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent toxicity, as metabolism varies. This statement indicates correct understanding, supporting safe use without needing nurse intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pulmonary problems are not a primary concern with statins. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, lowering cholesterol, with main side effects being myopathy and hepatotoxicity. Pulmonary issues are more associated with drugs like amiodarone, not statins, which primarily affect liver and muscle tissue.
Choice B reason: Neutropenia is not a common side effect of statins. These drugs lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, with risks of myopathy or liver dysfunction. Hematologic effects like neutropenia are more linked to chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, not statins, making this an incorrect monitoring priority.
Choice C reason: Liver dysfunction is a critical side effect to monitor with statins. They can elevate liver enzymes (ALT, AST) by stressing hepatocytes during cholesterol synthesis inhibition. Regular liver function tests are needed to detect hepatotoxicity early, preventing severe liver damage in patients on long-term statin therapy.
Choice D reason: Vitamin C deficiency is not associated with statins. Statins affect cholesterol synthesis, not vitamin metabolism. Deficiency would result from dietary issues, not statin use. Monitoring for myopathy or liver dysfunction is more relevant due to statins’ hepatic metabolism and muscle effects.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.