A patient is prescribed azithromycin (Zithromax) as an alternative to penicillin
The patient tells the nurse that he experienced nausea and vomiting when he took erythromycin several months ago and asks if he should expect the same effects with azithromycin. Select the nurse's best re-sponse. a. "I need to call your health care provider and ask for a different antibiotic."
b. "This drug is like erythromycin but has less severe gastrointestinal side effects."
c. "Take the drug with a hearty meal to reduce gastrointestinal side effects."
d. "I will get a prescription for an antiemetic in case this drug causes vomiting."
B
The nurse's best response is that azithromycin has fewer severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects than erythromycin.
Calling the health care provider is not necessary, because it is not known whether the patient will experience nausea with the medication.
Azithromycin should not be taken with meals, because absorption is reduced by 50% in the presence of food.
Obtaining a prescription for an antiemetic is not necessary, because it is not known whether the patient will have any GI side effects; they occur in only 3% of those who take the drug.
You might also like to view...
The nurse caring for a postsurgical patient is aware that the patient should void ____ to _____ hours postsurgery
ANS:
A client has hypokalemia. Which question by the nurse obtains the most information on a possible cause?
a. "Do you use sugar substitutes?" b. "Do you use diuretics or laxatives?" c. "Do you have any kidney disease?" d. "Have your bowel habits changed recent-ly?"
The nurse is collecting data from the caregivers of a child admitted with seizures. Which statement indicates the child most likely had an absence seizure?
A) "His arms had jerking movements in his legs and face." B) "He was just staring into space and was totally unaware." C) "He kept smacking his lips and rubbing his hands." D) "He usually is very coordinated, but he couldn't even walk without falling."
The nurse is contributing to a patient's teaching plan. What should be included when teaching a patient about the use of nitroglycerin? (Select all that apply.)
a. Take tablet every morning. b. Place tablet under the tongue. c. Rise slowly after taking tablet. d. Sit or lie down when taking tablet. e. Take before activity known to cause angina. f. Have a year's supply of the medication at home.