Which of the following should be included in the nurse's preadministration assessment before administering the first dose of an antineoplastic drug?

Choice A rationale:

Bacteriostatic. Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics that work primarily as bacteriostatic agents. They inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria by blocking the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial DNA and RNA synthesis. By slowing down bacterial growth, sulfonamides give the body's immune system a chance to eliminate the bacteria. Bacteriostatic antibiotics do not directly kill bacteria but rather impede their ability to multiply. This action is a key characteristic of sulfonamides.

Choice B rationale:

Bactericidal. Sulfonamides are not primarily bactericidal. Bactericidal antibiotics directly kill bacteria by disrupting their cell walls, protein synthesis, or other essential processes. Sulfonamides do not have this direct killing effect. They work by inhibiting folic acid synthesis and, as a result, slowing down bacterial growth. While this can eventually lead to bacterial death, the primary action of sulfonamides is bacteriostatic.

Choice C rationale:

Promotor of folic acid activity. This choice is not accurate. Sulfonamides do not promote folic acid activity; rather, they inhibit it. Sulfonamides are structural analogs of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a precursor necessary for folic acid synthesis in bacteria. By competing with PABA, sulfonamides disrupt folic acid production in bacteria, ultimately leading to growth inhibition. Therefore, they are not promoters of folic acid activity.

Choice D rationale:

Bacterial cell metabolizer. Sulfonamides do not metabolize bacterial cells. Instead, they interfere with bacterial metabolism by blocking the synthesis of folic acid. This disruption affects the DNA and RNA synthesis of bacteria, which rely on folic acid derivatives. The primary action of sulfonamides is to inhibit this metabolic pathway, not to metabolize bacterial cells.

Choice A rationale:

Impaired hepatic function requires cautious use of antiretroviral therapy. Many antiretroviral drugs are metabolized in the liver, and impaired hepatic function can affect drug metabolism and lead to potential drug interactions and toxicity. Adjustments in antiretroviral therapy may be needed in individuals with liver impairment.

Choice B rationale:

Impaired renal function also requires cautious use of antiretroviral therapy. Some antiretroviral drugs are eliminated by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can affect drug clearance. Dosing adjustments and drug selection may be necessary in individuals with renal impairment to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity.

Choice C rationale:

Hypertension is not a specific condition that requires cautious use of antiretroviral therapy. While some antiretroviral drugs can have side effects related to blood pressure, such as protease inhibitors, hypertension itself is not a contraindication for antiretroviral therapy.

Choice D rationale:

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is not a specific condition that requires cautious use of antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral therapy is primarily used in the treatment of HIV, and COPD is a lung condition unrelated to HIV. The two conditions do not directly interact, and COPD is not a contraindication for antiretroviral therapy. .