A patient with a urinary tract infection is given a prescription for TMP/SMZ. When reviewing the drug with the patient,the nurse learns that the patient has type 1 diabetes mellitus and consumes alcohol heavily. What will the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alcoholics are likely to be folate deficient and have an increased risk of megaloblastic anemia when taking TMP/SMZ,so withholding this drug in this population is recommended. TMP/SMZ shares hypersensitivity reactions with oral sulfonylurea-type hypoglycemics that are used with type 2 diabetes mellitus,so it is not necessary to assess the blood glucose level more often. TMP/SMZ can cause hyperkalemia,so potassium supplements are contraindicated. Patients taking TMP/SMZ should consume more fluids to maintain renal blood flow and prevent renal damage.

A Patient with a Urinary Tract Infection Is Given a Prescription