A patient admitted to the hospital with pneumonia has IV antibiotics ordered. He receives the first dose with no problem, but during the second dose, he begins to complain of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
The nurse notes wheezes throughout the lung fields. The nurse documents these symptoms as which of the following?
a. Idiosyncratic reaction
b. Toxic effect of the antibiotic
c. Side effect of the medication
d. Anaphylactic reaction
D
An allergic reaction ranges from mild to severe, depending on the patient and the medication. Among the different classes of medications, antibiotics cause a high incidence of allergic reactions. Sudden constriction of bronchiolar muscles, edema of the pharynx and larynx, severe wheezing, and shortness of breath are characteristic of severe or anaphylactic reactions. Some patients become severely hypotensive, necessitating emergency resuscitation measures. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal. Medications often cause unpredictable effects, such as an idiosyncratic reaction, in which a patient overreacts or underreacts to a medication or has a reaction that is different from normal. However, the symptoms displayed by this patient are classic anaphylactic symptoms. Toxic effects develop after prolonged intake of a medication, when a medication accumulates in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion, or when too high a dose is given. Two doses of a medication usually are not enough to develop toxic effects. Side effects are predictable and often unavoidable secondary effects produced at a usual therapeutic drug dose. Anaphylaxis is usually unpredictable initially and is avoided after the first reaction by listing the cause of the anaphylaxis in the allergy alert section of the patient record.
You might also like to view...
A child who is dependent on a ventilator is being discharged from the hospital. Prior to discharge, the home health nurse discusses development of an emergency plan of care with the family. Which is the most essential part of the plan?
1. Acquisition of a backup generator 2. Designation of an emergency shelter site 3. Provision for an alternate heating source if power is lost 4. Notifying the power company that the child is on life support
The nurse is explaining the action of botulism, a disease in which the causative organism is ingested with contaminated food or water. Contamination usually occurs by accident through inadequate canning and preserving processes
, but it also could occur as a result of: 1. Preservatives used on the food. 2. Environmental contamination. 3. Bioterrorist activity. 4. Insecticides used on crops.
The nurse preceptor asks a new graduate, "Which of the following items would be considered single-use items according to the CDC? Which response by the new graduate would indicate that further teaching is needed? Select all that apply
a. Glass thermometer b. Thermometer probe cover c. Endoscopes d. Dressing materials e. Surgical equipment f. Urinary catheters
The nurse is reviewing the three types of neurons with the client. The client asks the nurse what is the function of the motor neuron. What is the best explanation of the motor neuron?
1 . Receives and transmits messages to the central nervous system from all parts of the body 2 . Receives and transmits messages from the central nervous system to muscle and glands in all parts of the body 3 . Usually has long dendrites and a short axon 4 . Usually has short dendrites and a long axon A) 1, 3 B) 1, 4 C) 2, 3 D) 2, 4