Question 1

A client taking griseofulvin should be told the take the medication:

Accepted Answer

Griseofulvin's absorption is enhanced when taken with a fatty meal, leading to better therapeutic effects.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of acquiring fungal infections, including those of the nail, due to compromised blood circulation and immune system function.

Question 3

The nurse would recognize which symptom as a sign of a serious adverse effect in the patient with amphotericin B?

Accepted Answer

Hematuria is a sign of nephrotoxicity, a serious adverse effect of amphotericin B, indicating potential kidney damage.

Question 4

Which of the following drugs can be used to treat both superficial and systemic infections? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

The nurse is providing discharge education for the patient with tinea capitis who will be taking econazole (Spectazole).What instructions should the nurse include?

Accepted Answer

Econazole (Spectazole) is an antifungal medication used to treat skin infections such as tinea capitis. It is important to avoid sharing towels with family members to prevent spreading the infection. The other options are not specific or relevant instructions for someone taking econazole for tinea capitis.

Question 6

The nurse would question the use of amphotericin B in the patient concurrently receiving which medication?

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B and Garamycin (gentamicin) are both nephrotoxic. Using them together increases the risk of severe kidney damage, so a nurse would question this combination to prevent potential harm to the patient.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are more similar to human cells than fungi are, because both bacteria and human cells are prokaryotic, whereas fungi are eukaryotic, meaning fungi have a more complex cellular structure similar to that of plants and animals.

Question 8

The patient prescribed a new antifungal medication asks the nurse why the medication must be taken for so many days.The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that fungal infection:

Accepted Answer

Fungal infections are often resistant to treatment, necessitating prolonged therapy to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

Question 9

The nurse notes that the patient's laboratory result of a culture identifies the organism aspergillosis.Based on this report, the nurse would recognize that the patient has which type of infection?

Accepted Answer

Aspergillosis is caused by the fungus Aspergillus, which is commonly found in the environment. It often affects individuals with weakened immune systems or lung diseases, making it an opportunistic infection.

Question 10

Which client does the nurse recognize as being at greatest risk of acquiring Candida, a fungal infection of the mouth?

Accepted Answer

The patient using a steroid inhaler for asthma is at greatest risk of acquiring Candida because steroid inhalers can disrupt the normal oral flora, leading to an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Ketoconazole can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This is a known potential side effect of the medication, indicating the patient understands the possible adverse effects associated with its use.

Question 12

The nurse should teach the patient taking itraconazole (Sporanox)capsules that:

Accepted Answer

Itraconazole capsules should be taken with food to enhance absorption, not on an empty stomach. It may take two or more weeks to reach therapeutic levels, which is why option B is correct. Gynecomastia and yellowing of the skin are not common side effects associated with itraconazole.

Question 13

The fungal infection classified as tinea would primarily affect the:

Accepted Answer

Tinea is a group of fungal infections that primarily affect the skin and hair, including conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch.

Question 14

The drug of choice for significant systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients is:

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B is considered the drug of choice for treating severe systemic fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, due to its broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of fungi.

Question 15

The nursing instructor teaches the student nurses about fungal infections.The nursing instructor evaluates that learning has occurred when the student nurses make which statement(s)? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Systemic fungal infections often require oral (or sometimes intravenous) medications that can indeed have serious adverse effects, reflecting the need for potent drugs to treat infections that have spread throughout the body.C) Superficial fungal infections, which affect the skin, hair, and nails, are generally considered more benign than systemic infections. This is because they are localized and usually do not affect the body's internal organs.E) Advances in antifungal therapy have led to the development of newer medications that can be effective against both superficial and systemic fungal infections. This reflects ongoing progress in the pharmacological treatment of fungal diseases.

Question 16

The client has a fungal infection of the toenails, and receives oral terbinafine (Lamisil).The client asks the nurse how a pill will heal his nail infection.The nurse answers the patient knowing that terbinafine:

Accepted Answer

Terbinafine works by accumulating in the nail bed, where it remains for an extended period and continues to act on the fungal infection. This is how an oral medication can treat a localized infection such as toenail fungus.

Question 17

The nurse would correctly identify a superficial mycosis as one affecting the: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

The nurse is teaching a class about fungal infections to a group of high school students.The nurse would be correct in including which statement?

Accepted Answer

Fungal infections often require prolonged treatment because fungi are more complex organisms and can be more difficult to eradicate than bacteria.

Question 19

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

Patients receiving chemotherapy, like the one with malignant melanoma, have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to fungal infections.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Griseofulvin can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. It's important for the nurse to assess the type of birth control the patient is using to provide appropriate counseling and consider alternative contraceptive methods if necessary.

Quiz 53: Pharmacotherapy of Fungal Infections