1. The nurse is obtaining a medication history from a client
diagnosed with genital herpes. Which drug would the nurse
expect this client to be prescribed?
A. Ribavirin (Virazole)
B. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
C. Zidovudine (Retrovir)
D. Amantadine (Symmetrel) Correct Answers B. Acyclovir
(Zovirax)
Acyclovir is the drug of choice to treat herpes simplex
infections, which includes the virus type 2 that causes genital
herpes. Ribavirin is effective against respiratory syncytial virus,
zidovudine against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and
amantadine against Haemophilus influenzae type A.
1. What is the priority assessment data for a client prescribed
antibiotic therapy?
A. Allergies
B. Immunizations
C. History of seizures
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias Correct Answers A. Allergies
Antibiotic allergy is one of the most common drug allergies. An
allergic reaction that occurs after administration of an antibiotic
has the potential to cause severe anaphylaxis and possible death.
,1. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of
discharge instructions given by the nurse about the newly
prescribed medication levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
A. "I will take a double dose to make up for the missed one."
B. "I can expect improvement of my symptoms within 1 week."
C. "I will stop the medication immediately if I feel pain or
weakness in my muscles."
D. "I will take this medication in the morning so it does not
affect my sleep at night." Correct Answers D. "I will take this
medication in the morning so it does not affect my sleep at
night."
Levothyroxine increases basal metabolic rate and thus may
cause insomnia. Patients should not double the dose or stop
taking the medication abruptly. It may take up to 4 weeks for a
therapeutic response to occur.
A client is making an appointment for allergy testing. The nurse
instructs the client not take what class of medications at least 4
days before allergy testing?
A. Antitussives
B. Antihistamines
C. Decongestants
D. Bronchodilators Correct Answers B. Antihistamines
An allergist will usually recommend discontinuation of
antihistamine drug therapy at least 4 days before allergy testing.
,A client prescribed azithromycin (Zithromax) expresses concern
regarding GI upset that was experienced when previously
prescribed an erythromycin antibiotic. What is the nurse's best
response?
A. "Take an over-the-counter antiemetic to lessen the nausea."
B. "Stop taking the drug if you experience heartburn and
diarrhea."
C. "I will call the health care provider and request a different
antibiotic."
D. "This drug is like erythromycin with less gastrointestinal
adverse effects." Correct Answers D. "This drug is like
erythromycin with less gastrointestinal adverse effects."
Azithromycin is a newer macrolide antibiotic. It has a longer
duration of action, as well as fewer and less severe GI adverse
effects than erythromycin.
A client visits the health care provider for treatment of tinea
pedis (athlete's foot). Which medication would the nurse MOST
likely instruct the client to take to treat this condition?
M. Terbinafine (Lamisil)
N. Voriconazole (Vfend)
O. Caspofungin (Cancidas)
P. Amphotericin B (Amphocin) Correct Answers M.
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Terbinafine (Lamisil) is classified as an allylamine antifungal
drug and is currently the only drug in its class. It is available in a
topical cream, gel, and spray for treating superficial
, dermatologic infections, including tinea pedis (athlete's foot),
tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm).
A client who is allergic to penicillin is at increased risk for an
allergy to which drug?
A. Erythromycin (E-mycin)
B. Gentamicin (Garamycin)
C. Cefazolin sodium (Ancef)
D. Demeclocycline (Declomycin) Correct Answers C.
Cefazolin sodium (Ancef)
Clients who are allergic to penicillins have an increased risk of
allergy to other beta-lactam antibiotics. The incidence of cross-
reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins is reported to
be between 1% and 4%.
A client who is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) for a
gynecologic infection provides the nurse with a list of
medications that are routinely taken. Which medication would
lead the nurse to question the prescription for Flagyl?
A. Ibuprofen (Advil)
B. Lithium (Eskalith)
C. Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
D. Multivitamin (Thera-Tabs) Correct Answers B. Lithium
(Eskalith)
Concomitant use of lithium and metronidazole may result in
lithium toxicity. Thus, a client who reports taking lithium should