The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who will receive oral levofloxacin (Levaquin) to treat pneumonia. The patient takes an oral hypoglycemic medication and uses over-the-counter (OTC) antacids to treat occasional heartburn. The patient reports frequent arthritis pain and takes acetaminophen when needed. Which statement by the nurse is correct when teaching this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Levofloxacin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), so it is important for the patient to closely monitor their serum glucose levels while taking this medication. Antacids may decrease absorption of levofloxacin, so the patient should space out taking the two medications by at least two hours. NSAIDs may increase the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture when taken with levofloxacin, so they should be avoided. Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness. The medication guide for levofloxacin should be reviewed with the patient for additional information and precautions.

The Nurse Is Providing Discharge Teaching for a Patient Who