Question 1

The client has been ordered treatment with Wycillin. The nurse notes that the solution is milky in color. What is the highest priority action on the part of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Wycillin has a milky appearance; this appearance should not concern the nurse.

Question 2

The client has been ordered Cefazolin. The nurse anticipates an increase in the client's _____ from this medication?

Accepted Answer

Cephazolin will produce an increase in the client's BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin.

Question 3

A client has been receiving a cephalosporin for 20 days to treat a severe bacterial infection. The client complains of mouth pain, and the nurse assesses white patches in the client's mouth. What is the highest priority action on the part of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

These symptoms may indicate a superinfection and should be reported to the physician.

Question 4

A client with otitis media is ordered to receive amoxicillin (Amoxil). The client discloses to the nurse that she is allergic to penicillin. What is the highest priority action on the part of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Any medication allergy should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Question 5

The client has been ordered to be treated with amoxicillin. The highest priority instruction that the nurse should give the client related to diet while on the medication is to avoid:

Accepted Answer

Acidic fruits and juices should be avoided while the client is being treated with amoxicillin.

Question 6

A client's medication warrants peak and trough levels to be drawn. The nurse is aware that if the peak level of the drug is too high, what could occur?

Accepted Answer

High peak levels may indicate that the medication is above the toxic level.

Question 7

A nurse is ordered to draw blood levels for a person receiving an antibiotic. The nurse is aware that peaks and troughs of serum antibiotic levels are monitored for drugs with a:

Accepted Answer

Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose and the lethal dose.

Question 8

When antibacterials are prescribed for the treatment of an infection and a culture is ordered, what should happen next?

Accepted Answer

To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy begins.

Question 9

The client has been ordered treatment with Amoxil. The client reports to the nurse that she has developed symptoms of vaginitis. The highest priority action on the part of the nurse is to recognize this as:

Accepted Answer

Development of vaginitis can be evidence of development of a superinfection.

Question 10

The client has been ordered treatment with Cefaclor as well as erythromycin. The nurse anticipates what effect from the interaction of the medications?

Accepted Answer

The interaction of Cefaclor and erythromycin will produce a decrease in the action of the Cefaclor.

Question 11

A client who reports an allergy to penicillin is ordered to receive cephalexin (Keflex). The correct action for the nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

There is a cross-sensitivity between penicillin and cephalosporin medications. The nurse should observe for allergic reactions.

Question 12

A client is ordered to receive a cephalosporin to treat a bacterial infection. Regarding monitoring of the client, the highest priority action on the part of the nurse includes assessing the client for which side effects?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of cephalosporins include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, itching, and rash.

Question 13

With continuous use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance result because:

Accepted Answer

Bacteria mutate if they are in contact with antibiotics for extended periods.

Question 14

Drug concentration is important for the eradication of bacterial infection. It is desired to keep the drug dose:

Accepted Answer

Medication levels must be maintained above the MEC throughout therapy to ensure that bacterial resistance does not occur.

Question 15

Most beta-lactam antibiotics are excreted through the kidneys. The nurse should assess the client's renal function by monitoring which levels?

Accepted Answer

Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels determine renal function.

Question 16

A client at an outpatient clinic is ordered to receive ampicillin (Omnipen) for an infection. Which nursing intervention related to penicillins would the nurse question?

Accepted Answer

The entire course of the medication should be taken to ensure eradication of the infection and decreased resistance, even if the client's temperature has normalized.

Question 17

A client has relayed instructions from a physician regarding an allergy to a type of antibiotic therapy. The nurse would question which instruction?

Accepted Answer

Fluids should be encouraged with antibiotic therapy, so such an order would need to be questioned.

Quiz 29: Penicillins and Cephalosporins