A patient with severe community-acquired pneumonia has been prescribed telithromycin [Ketek]. Which aspect of the patient's medical history is of concern to the nurse?

Question

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Telithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used only for CAP. Patients with myasthenia gravis may experience rapid muscle weakness after taking the drug, and some have died from respiratory failure, so patients with MG should not take this drug. This drug does not have significant myelosuppression, so anemia is not a concern. The drug causes liver injury, so liver disease, and not renal disease, is a concern. Telithromycin is indicated for treatment of S. pneumoniae.

A Patient with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia Has Been Prescribed Telithromycin