127 Questions
What does the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of an antibiotic refer to?
The serum drug level that is sufficient to halt the growth of the microorganism
What is the most likely cause of a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been used successfully several times before?
Acquired bacterial resistance
A patient has previously experienced a severe rash when taking penicillin. What action should the nurse take when preparing to administer amoxicillin to this patient?
Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic
A patient has been receiving an antibiotic for 2 days after a culture was obtained. What is the nurse's understanding of this situation?
The patient's culture results have not yet been received, but the antibiotic is appropriate
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of cross-resistance in relation to antibiotics?
Cross-resistance occurs when a microorganism becomes resistant to an antibiotic due to its resistance to a different antibiotic
What is the most likely reason for a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been successfully used before?
The patient's infection has become resistant to the antibiotic
What is the nurse's next best action based on the patient's increased erythema, swelling, and persistent high fever?
Review the sensitivity results from the patient's culture.
Which action is most important before administering the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection?
Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity.
Which antibiotic will the nurse expect the provider to order for a patient admitted with pneumonia who was unable to produce sputum for a culture?
A broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Which statement by the nurse is correct when teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin twice daily for ten days?
"Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug."
What is the nurse's next action when reviewing the patient's chart and noting that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin, before administering the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone?
Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
Which action will the nurse take when preparing to give a dose of cephalosporin medication to a patient who has received the antibiotic for two weeks and the nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa?
Report a possible side effect of the cephalosporin, such as superinfection.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching when the nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will begin taking cephalosporin to treat an infection?
"I may stop taking the medication if my symptoms clear up."
What is the most important reason for obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity before starting antibiotic therapy for a urinary tract infection?
To determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Why is a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat pneumonia when the offending organism is not identified by culture and sensitivity?
To target a wider range of potential bacterial pathogens.
What is the nurse's primary concern when a patient reports developing a rash while taking amoxicillin?
The patient may have a hypersensitivity reaction to the medication.
If a patient develops a rash while taking an antibiotic, the nurse should instruct them to:
Stop taking the drug and call their provider
Which of the following foods should a patient avoid while taking amoxicillin?
Acidic fruits and juices
If a nurse notices that a penicillin G procaine solution has a milky color, what action should they take?
Administer the medication as ordered by the physician
If a patient is taking azithromycin for an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and also takes digoxin and warfarin, the nurse should expect:
Increased effectiveness of digoxin
If a patient reports having had a rash when taking penicillin, the nurse should contact the provider to:
Discuss using erythromycin instead of penicillin
If a patient is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin and also taking acetaminophen, which lab values should the nurse monitor for side effects?
Liver enzymes
Which of the following actions does NOT contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics?
Taking a full course of antibiotics as prescribed
If a patient is taking penicillin and reports having had a rash in the past, the nurse should NOT:
Administer the penicillin as ordered by the physician
Which of the following foods is safe for a patient to consume while taking amoxicillin?
Green salad
According to the instructions, when should antacids be taken in relation to azithromycin?
2 hours before or 2 hours after taking azithromycin
Why should azithromycin be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals?
Azithromycin is poorly absorbed when taken with food
If a patient experiences watery diarrhea while taking azithromycin, what should they do?
Report it immediately, as it may indicate pseudomembranous colitis
If a patient is taking warfarin and needs to start clarithromycin, what action should the nurse take?
Request an order for INR testing
Which macrolide order should the nurse question for a patient who is allergic to penicillin and plans to take fluconazole?
Erythromycin
Why are serum drug peak and trough levels necessary for certain drugs?
For drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
If a patient's serum drug trough level is below the normal range, what can the nurse expect?
Inadequate therapeutic effects
When should doxycycline be taken in relation to meals?
With food to improve absorption
What is the recommended timing for taking antacids in relation to tetracyclines?
Antacids should be avoided while taking tetracyclines
Why might a high tetracycline dose be prescribed?
To achieve a higher peak level for therapeutic effect
Which laboratory values should the nurse monitor for a patient receiving high doses of tetracycline?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
What advice should the nurse give to a patient taking oral contraceptives while being prescribed doxycycline?
Use a backup method of contraception
If an infant receiving intravenous gentamicin has not had a wet diaper for several hours, what should the nurse do?
Hold the dose and contact the provider for a serum trough drug level
A 70-kg patient receiving gentamicin reports ringing in the ears. What should the nurse discuss with the provider?
Obtaining a serum drug level to check for toxicity
When administering intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin, what is an important nursing action?
Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with name and date
If a patient's serum gentamicin peak level is 9 mcg/mL and trough level is 2 mcg/mL, what action should the nurse take?
Report possible drug toxicity to the provider
Which statement about administering intravenous gentamicin is correct?
It should be infused over 30-60 minutes
What is a potential adverse effect of gentamicin that the nurse should monitor for?
Nephrotoxicity
When administering intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin, what action should the nurse take to prevent mixing the drugs?
Flush the line with saline between each drug
What should the nurse do if a patient reports ringing in the ears while receiving gentamicin?
Notify the provider and discuss obtaining a serum drug level
According to the concept of minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics, which statement indicates the nursing student's understanding?
A serum drug level greater than the MEC is sufficient to halt the growth of the microorganism.
What is the most likely cause of a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been used successfully several times before?
Acquired bacterial resistance
If a patient previously experienced a severe rash when taking penicillin, what action should the nurse take when preparing to administer amoxicillin?
Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic.
If a patient has been receiving an antibiotic for 2 days after a culture was obtained, what is the nurse's understanding of this situation?
The antibiotic is being used empirically before culture results are available.
Which statement about administering intravenous gentamicin is correct?
If a patient reports ringing in the ears while receiving gentamicin, the nurse should discuss the concern with the provider.
Which of the following foods should a patient avoid while taking amoxicillin?
Dairy products
Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching regarding azithromycin?
I may take antacids 2 hours before taking this drug.
When the nurse learns that a patient taking warfarin will begin taking clarithromycin, which action should the nurse take?
Request an order for INR testing.
Which macrolide order would the nurse question for a patient allergic to penicillin who plans to take fluconazole?
Erythromycin
For which type of drug are serum drug peak and trough levels necessary?
Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
If a patient's serum drug trough is below the normal range, what will the nurse expect the patient to experience?
Inadequate therapeutic effects
How should the nurse plan to give doxycycline to a patient?
With food to improve absorption
Which statement by the nurse is correct when teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin twice daily for ten days?
All of the above
What is the most likely reason for a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been successfully used before?
Antibiotic resistance
If a patient is taking azithromycin for an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and also takes digoxin and warfarin, the nurse should expect:
Increased risk of bleeding
Which antibiotic will the nurse expect the provider to order for a patient admitted with pneumonia who was unable to produce sputum for a culture?
Azithromycin
What should a patient do if they develop a rash while taking an antibiotic?
Stop taking the drug and notify the provider
Which of the following foods should a patient avoid while being treated with amoxicillin?
Acidic fruits and juices
What is the appearance of Penicillin G procaine and how should a nurse respond to it?
Yellow solution; administer as ordered
What effect can azithromycin have on the effectiveness of digoxin and warfarin?
Increased effectiveness of digoxin
If a patient has had a rash when taking penicillin, what alternative drug may be used?
Erythromycin instead of penicillin
Which lab values should be monitored when a patient is taking high doses of intravenous azithromycin along with acetaminophen?
Liver enzymes
Which laboratory values will the nurse expect to monitor while caring for a patient receiving high doses of tetracycline?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
When teaching a female patient about taking doxycycline to treat a sexually transmitted infection (STI), what important information should the nurse include?
Use a backup method of contraception if taking oral contraceptives.
If an infant receiving intravenous gentamicin has not had a wet diaper for several hours, what should the nurse do?
Hold the dose and contact the provider to request a serum trough drug level.
A 70-kg patient is receiving gentamicin 85 mg 4 times daily and reports experiencing ringing in the ears. What should the nurse discuss with the provider?
Obtaining a serum drug level
When preparing to administer intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin to a patient, what is an important nursing action?
Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with the drug name and date.
The nurse reviews a patient's chart and notes that the last serum peak gentamicin level was 9 mcg/mL and the last trough level was 2 mcg/mL. What action should the nurse take?
Obtain repeat peak and trough levels before giving the next dose.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been used successfully several times before?
Antibiotic resistance
What is a potential adverse effect of gentamicin that the nurse should monitor for?
Ototoxicity
Why might a high tetracycline dose be prescribed?
To treat a severe bacterial infection
If a patient's serum gentamicin trough level is below the normal range, what can the nurse expect?
Decreased therapeutic effect
What is the nurse's best action when preparing to give a dose of cephalosporin medication to a patient who has received the antibiotic for two weeks and the nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa?
Hold the drug and notify the provider
What is the most important reason for obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity before starting antibiotic therapy for a urinary tract infection?
To identify the organism causing the infection
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching when the nurse is providing instructions to a patient who will begin taking cephalosporin to treat an infection?
"I should avoid food rich in vitamin C while on this medication."
What should the nurse do if a patient reports ringing in the ears while receiving gentamicin?
Continue administering the medication as prescribed
Which action will the nurse take when reviewing the patient's chart and noting that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin, before administering the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone?
Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions
Why is a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat pneumonia when the offending organism is not identified by culture and sensitivity?
To ensure rapid treatment without waiting for culture results
What should a patient do if diarrhea occurs while taking amoxicillin?
Stop taking the drug immediately and contact the provider
What is the nurse's next action based on the patient's increased erythema, swelling, and persistent high fever?
Review sensitivity results from the patient's culture
Which intervention is most important before administering an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection?
Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
What will the nurse expect if a patient admitted for pneumonia could not produce sputum for culture?
A broad-spectrum antibiotic to be given
What is the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics primarily responsible for?
Halting the growth of microorganisms
Why might a patient's current urinary tract infection not respond to an antibiotic that was previously effective?
Acquired bacterial resistance
What action should a nurse take when a patient with a history of penicillin allergy needs to take amoxicillin?
Discuss using a different antibiotic with the provider
What should be the nurse's understanding when preparing to administer an antibiotic after 2 days of culture-based treatment?
Resistance to the antibiotic may have developed
Which laboratory values will the nurse expect to monitor while caring for a patient receiving high doses of tetracycline?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
When teaching a female patient about taking doxycycline for a sexually transmitted infection, what information will the nurse include?
Use a backup method of contraception if taking oral contraceptives.
If an infant receiving intravenous gentamicin has not had a wet diaper for several hours, what should the nurse do?
Hold the dose and contact the provider to request a serum trough drug level.
A 70-kg patient is receiving gentamicin 85 mg 4 times daily and reports experiencing ringing in the ears. What should the nurse discuss with the provider?
Obtaining a serum drug level
When preparing to administer intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin to a patient, what is an important nursing action?
Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with the drug name and date.
The nurse reviews a patient's chart and notes that the last serum peak gentamicin level was 9 mcg/mL and the last trough level was 2 mcg/mL. What action should the nurse take?
Obtain repeat peak and trough levels before giving the next dose.
If a patient is taking azithromycin for an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and also takes digoxin and warfarin, the nurse should expect:
Increased risk of digoxin and warfarin toxicity.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching when the nurse is providing instructions to a patient who will begin taking cephalosporin to treat an infection?
I should take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
If a patient has been receiving an antibiotic for 2 days after a culture was obtained, what is the nurse's understanding of this situation?
The antibiotic is being used empirically while awaiting culture results.
What is the most important reason for obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity before starting antibiotic therapy for a urinary tract infection?
To identify the causative organism.
A patient is prescribed azithromycin and reports developing watery diarrhea while taking it. What should the patient do?
Report the diarrhea to the healthcare provider immediately
A patient taking warfarin is prescribed clarithromycin. What action should the nurse take?
Request an order for INR testing
A patient allergic to penicillin is prescribed erythromycin and plans to take fluconazole for a potential yeast infection. What should the nurse question?
The concurrent use of erythromycin and fluconazole
Why are serum drug peak and trough levels necessary for certain antibiotics?
To monitor antibiotics with a narrow therapeutic index
If a patient's serum drug trough level is below the normal range, what can the nurse expect?
Inadequate therapeutic effects
When should doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, be taken in relation to meals?
With food to improve absorption
If a patient reports ringing in the ears while receiving gentamicin, what should the nurse discuss with the provider?
Discontinuing gentamicin due to potential ototoxicity
A patient is prescribed azithromycin and plans to take antacids for heartburn. When should the antacids be taken in relation to azithromycin?
2 hours before taking azithromycin
What is the most likely cause of a patient's infection not responding to an antibiotic that has been used successfully before?
The causative organism has developed resistance to the antibiotic
When administering intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin, what action should the nurse take to prevent mixing the drugs?
All of the above
What is the appropriate action if a patient develops a rash while taking an antibiotic?
Stop taking the drug and notify the provider
Which food should a patient avoid while being treated with amoxicillin?
Acidic fruits and juices
What should the nurse do if penicillin G procaine appears milky in color?
Administer the medication as ordered by the physician
What effect can azithromycin have on digoxin and warfarin when taken together?
Increased effectiveness of digoxin
If a patient has previously experienced a rash with penicillin, what is the preferred alternative drug?
Using erythromycin instead of penicillin
When should antibiotics be stopped if a rash develops?
As soon as the rash appears
What is the nurse's next best action based on the patient's increased erythema, swelling, and persistent high fever?
Review the sensitivity results from the patient's culture.
Which action is most important before administering the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection?
Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity.
Why is a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat pneumonia when the offending organism is not identified by culture and sensitivity?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of organisms, including those that may not be detected by culture.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching when the nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will begin taking cephalosporin to treat an infection?
"I should eat yogurt while taking this medication."
What action will the nurse take when preparing to give a dose of cephalosporin medication to a patient who has received the antibiotic for two weeks and the nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa?
Report a possible side effect of the cephalosporin, such as superinfection.
What is the most important reason for obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity before starting antibiotic therapy for a urinary tract infection?
To correctly identify the organism and help determine which antibiotic will be most effective.
If a patient has had a rash when taking penicillin, what alternative drug may be used?
Ceftriaxone
What should the nurse do if a patient reports ringing in the ears while receiving gentamicin?
Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin.
Which laboratory values will the nurse expect to monitor while caring for a patient receiving high doses of tetracycline?
Liver function tests
What is the appearance of Penicillin G procaine and how should a nurse respond to it?
Penicillin G procaine is a cloudy solution, and the nurse should not administer it and should notify the provider.
Test your knowledge on minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics by identifying the statement that indicates an understanding of this concept. Choose the correct option among the given choices.
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