Question 1

The nurse is reviewing a client's medical record and notes that recent culture results identify the organism aspergillosis.Based on this report,the nurse would recognize that the client has which type of infection?

Accepted Answer

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic type of infection, meaning it occurs in individuals who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or who have received an organ transplant. It is not a community-acquired infection (A), transmitted by direct contact (C), or vector-transmitted (D).

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client with a fungal infection.Which statement by the client would indicate understanding of this type of infection?

Accepted Answer

Treating fungal infections can require several weeks, as these types of infections can be stubborn and require longer treatment courses compared to bacterial infections. Option A may sound good but is not completely accurate since not all fungal infections have a reliable treatment. Option B is incorrect because fungal infections, in general, have a slow onset unlike bacterial infections or viruses. Option D is incorrect since fungal infections can occur in anyone, regardless of their health status or fitness level.

Question 3

A female client has a fungal infection and will receive griseofulvin.What assessment data is critical for the nurse to collect prior to administering this medication?

Accepted Answer

Griseofulvin can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so it is critical for the nurse to assess what type of birth control the client is using and inform them of the potential interaction. The client's height and weight may be important for dosing calculations, but it is not critical data to collect prior to administering the medication. Cholesterol levels and cheese consumption are not directly relevant to griseofulvin administration.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a client who has both a superficial and a systemic fungal infection.Which drugs can be used to treat both infections? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole are antifungal medications that can be used to treat both superficial and systemic fungal infections. Nystatin is typically used for superficial infections, particularly those involving the mucous membranes and skin, and is not effective for systemic infections.

Question 5

A client has a serious systemic fungal infection.The nurse anticipates that the physician will prescribe which medications to treat this infection? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B, flucytosine, and caspofungin are all medications commonly used to treat systemic fungal infections. Griseofulvin and terbinafine are more commonly used to treat superficial fungal infections.

Question 6

The nurse recognizes that which clients in a medical-surgical unit are at increased risk for acquiring systemic fungal infections and may require prophylactic pharmacological therapy? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Clients who are immunocompromised are at increased risk for systemic fungal infections. This includes those being treated with steroids (choice A), those with HIV/AIDS (choice B), those receiving chemotherapy (choice C), and those who have undergone organ transplantation (choice D). Recovering from an appendectomy (choice E) does not necessarily increase the risk of a systemic fungal infection.

Question 7

The nurse works in infection control at a large hospital.Which client does the nurse recognize as being at greatest risk of acquiring a fungal infection?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse works in infection control at...

Question 8

The nurse caring for a hospitalized client monitors for which opportunistic fungal infections? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These four fungal infections are commonly seen as opportunistic infections in hospitalized clients with weakened immune systems. Sporotrichosis is not a typically opportunistic fungal infection, but rather is seen in individuals handling soil or vegetation infected with Sporothrix schenckii. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.

Question 9

The nurse is providing education regarding ketoconazole (Nizoral).The nurse knows the client has understood the teaching when the client states:

Accepted Answer

The client's understanding that nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are potential side effects of ketoconazole demonstrates correct knowledge of the medication. Option B is incorrect because ketoconazole can be taken for more than 10 days depending on the condition being treated. Option C is also incorrect because ketoconazole is usually taken with food to increase absorption. Option D is incorrect because development of resistance is not a concern with ketoconazole as it is not an antibiotic.

Question 10

The nurse would correctly identify a superficial mycosis as one affecting the: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse would correctly identify a superficial...

Question 11

The nurse correctly identifies that the client with which disorder is at greatest risk of acquiring a fungal infection of the nail?

Accepted Answer

Clients with diabetes are at greatest risk of developing fungal infections of the nail due to the compromised immune system and poor circulation associated with the disease. Other factors that increase risk include age, smoking, and a history of athlete's foot.

Question 12

The nurse is comparing fungal infections with bacterial infections.Which statement by the nurse is true?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, which means they have a complex cellular organization similar to that of human cells, including a defined nucleus. This makes them more similar to human cells than bacteria, which are prokaryotic and lack a nucleus. Antibiotics target bacteria and are not effective against fungi. Antifungals can be either fungistatic, inhibiting fungal growth, or fungicidal, killing fungi.

Question 13

A client is being treated with amphotericin B for a serious systemic fungal infection.The nurse instructs the client to immediately report which adverse effects associated with this medication? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client is being treated with amphotericin...

Question 14

A client with AIDS is suffering from a systemic fungal infection.The nurse anticipates that the drug of choice for this client will be:

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B is the drug of choice for systemic fungal infections in clients with AIDS, as it has high efficacy against a wide range of fungal organisms. Fluconazole may be used for less severe infections or as prophylaxis, but it may not be effective for all fungal organisms. Nystatin is used for superficial fungal infections and griseofulvin is used for dermatophyte infections, not systemic fungal infections.

Question 15

The nurse is providing instruction to a client with a fungal infection who will be discharged home soon.The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement(s)? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Systemic fungal infections indeed require oral (or sometimes intravenous) medications, which can have serious side effects due to their systemic nature and the need for them to work throughout the body.B) Superficial fungal infections are indeed considered more benign than systemic infections because they affect only the surface of the body, such as the skin or mucous membranes, and are generally easier to treat.C) Newer antifungal medications have been developed that can be effective against both superficial and systemic fungal infections, offering broader treatment options.

Question 16

A client has been prescribed a new antifungal medication and asks the nurse why the medication must be taken for so many days.The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that fungal infections:

Accepted Answer

Fungal infections are often resistant to treatment and can require prolonged therapy, sometimes lasting for several months. This is due to the fact that fungi grow and reproduce much slower than bacteria, making it more difficult for medications to penetrate and eradicate the infection.

Question 17

The nurse is providing discharge education for the patient with tinea corporis who will be taking nystatin cream.What instructions should the nurse include?

Accepted Answer

Tinea corporis is a fungal infection that can be spread through contact with contaminated objects, so it is important to avoid sharing towels or personal items to prevent further spread of the infection. Option A is not necessary for the treatment of tinea corporis. Option C is not applicable as nystatin cream is meant to be applied on the affected area and not on the hair. Option D is not necessary as there are no dietary restrictions for nystatin cream.

Question 18

The nurse is caring for several clients on a medical unit in the hospital.Which client does the nurse recognize as being at greatest risk of acquiring an oral Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

The client using a steroid inhaler for asthma is at greatest risk of acquiring an oral Candida infection because steroids suppress the immune system, making the client more susceptible to fungal infections.

Question 19

The nurse knows that in recent years there has been a rising need for effective treatments for fungal infections because of: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) HIV/AIDS weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to fungal infections.
B) Chemotherapeutic drugs may weaken the immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to fungal infections.
C) Indwelling IV catheters increase the risk of fungal infections by providing a way for fungi to enter the body.
D) Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the balance of normal flora, leading to overgrowth of harmful organisms such as fungi. 
E) Overuse of antiviral medications is not directly related to the rising need for effective fungal infection treatments.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a client with a tinea fungal infection.The nurse expects the client will have symptoms that primarily affect the:

Accepted Answer

Tinea fungal infections, also known as ringworm, primarily affect the skin and hair. Symptoms may include circular or ring-shaped rash, itching, and hair loss in affected areas. It does not affect the bowel, mucous membranes of the mouth, or urinary tract.

Quiz 52: Pharmacotherapy of Fungal Infections