A patient with a chronic sinus infection is diagnosed with a brain abscess. What medications should the nurse expect to provide to this patient?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. morphine sulfate
2. digitalis (Digoxin)
3. phenytoin (Dilantin)
4. acetaminophen (Tylenol)
5. broad-spectrum antibiotic

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5
Anticonvulsant medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) is often prescribed to prevent or control seizure activity. Antipyretic and analgesic medications may provide symptomatic relief; however, analgesics that have a depressant effect on the CNS (such as opiates) are avoided to prevent masking of early manifestations of deteriorating level of consciousness (LOC). Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for brain abscess. A combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics is used if the infecting organism is unknown. Digitalis (Digoxin) is not indicated in the care of the patient with a brain abscess.