Deck 40: Antiviral Drugs

Question 1

A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for "that new flu drug." He says he has had the flu for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms. What is the nurse's best response to his request?

A) "Now that you've had the flu, you will need a booster vaccination, not the antiviral drug."
B) "We will need to do a blood test to verify that you actually have the flu."
C) "Drug therapy should be started within 2 days of symptom onset, not 4 days."
D) "We'll get you a prescription. As long as you start treatment within the next 24 hours, the drug should be effective."

Answer 1

"Drug therapy should be started within 2 days of symptom onset, not 4 days."

Question 2

A patient with a viral infection is to receive ganciclovir (Cytovene) 5 mg/kg/day IVPB every morning. The patient weighs 110 pounds. Identify how many milligrams this patient will receive for this dose. _______

Answer 2

250 mg
Convert 110 pounds to kilograms: 110 ÷ 2.2 = 50 kg.
Calculate dose: 5 mg/kg/day × 50 kg = 250 mg/day.

Question 3

A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is taking topical acyclovir, and the nurse is providing instructions about adverse effects. The nurse will discuss which adverse effects of topical acyclovir therapy?

A) Insomnia and nervousness
B) Temporary swelling and rash
C) Burning when applied
D) This medication has no adverse effects.

Answer 3

Burning when applied

Question 4

A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is taking topical acyclovir. The nurse will provide which teaching for this patient?

A) "Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine."
B) "Apply this ointment until the lesion stops hurting."
C) "Use a clean glove when applying this ointment."
D) "If your partner develops these lesions, then your partner can also use the medication."
E) "You will need to avoid touching the area around your eyes."
F) "You will have to practice abstinence when these lesions are active."

Question 5

The nurse is administering intravenous acyclovir (Zovirax) to a patient with a viral infection. Which administration technique is correct?

A) Infuse intravenous acyclovir slowly, over at least 1 hour.
B) Infuse intravenous acyclovir by rapid bolus.
C) Refrigerate intravenous acyclovir.
D) Restrict oral fluids during intravenous acyclovir therapy.

Question 6

An infant has been hospitalized with a severe lung infection caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and will be receiving medication via the inhalation route. The nurse expects which drug to be used?

A) Acyclovir (Zovirax)
B) Ganciclovir (Cytovene)
C) Amantadine (Symmetrel)
D) Ribavirin (Virazole)

Question 7

The nurse is providing counseling to a woman who is HIV positive and has just discovered that she is pregnant. Which anti-HIV drug is given to HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent transmission of the virus to the infant?

A) Acyclovir (Zovirax)
B) Zidovudine (Retrovir)
C) Ribavirin (Virazole)
D) Foscarnet (Foscavir)

Question 8

A patient is taking a combination of antiviral drugs as treatment for early stages of a viral infection. While discussing the drug therapy, the patient asks the nurse if the drugs will kill the virus. When answering, the nurse keeps in mind which fact about antiviral drugs?

A) They are given for palliative reasons only.
B) They will be effective as long as the patient is not exposed to the virus again.
C) They can be given in large enough doses to eradicate the virus without harming the body's healthy cells.
D) They may also kill healthy cells while killing viruses.

Question 9

A patient is receiving a ribavirin (Virazole) aerosol treatment. Which precaution is important for the pregnant health care provider?

A) No special precautions are needed.
B) Wearing a mask while in the room during the treatment.
C) Staying out of the room during the aerosol treatment.
D) Limiting exposure to the aerosol treatment to a maximum of 15 minutes per shift.

Question 10

A patient is in the HIV clinic for a follow-up appointment. He has been on antiretroviral therapy for HIV for more than 3 years. The nurse will assess for which potential adverse effects of long-term antiretroviral therapy?

A) Lipodystrophy
B) Liver damage
C) Kaposi's sarcoma
D) Osteoporosis
E) Type 2 diabetes

Question 11

A patient who has undergone a lung transplant has contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The nurse expects which drug to be ordered for this patient?

A) Acyclovir (Zovirax)
B) Ganciclovir (Cytovene)
C) Ribavirin (Virazole)
D) Amantadine (Symmetrel)

Question 12

A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine (Retrovir). However, the prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine because of its dose-limiting adverse effect. Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?

A) Retinitis
B) Renal toxicity
C) Hepatotoxicity
D) Bone marrow suppression