Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

Your patient who is taking ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic, is complaining of lower leg pain or inflammation. What do you suspect has happened?

A.
The patient has strained the ligaments in the leg.

B.
The patient has exercised at too high an intensity.

C.
The patient has overstretched the muscle in the calf.

D.
The patient has a potential […]

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Your patient has been on a penicillin IV for the past 36 hours, when a culture and sensitivity report returns from the lab indicating that the patient is infected with MRSA.  Which of the following would you expect the prescriber to do when you call and inform them?
a.  continue the penicillin
b.  add an aminoglycoside such […]

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Which instruction below should be given to a patient taking a sulfonamide antibiotic, such as Bactrim? 
 a.  make sure to have peak and trough levels drawn 3 days after starting the drug.
b.  do not drink more than 3 drinks per day with this medication
c.  drink at least 8 ounces of water per day
d.  limit your sun exposure […]

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Quinolone antibiotics, such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin), may cause central nervous system problems, such as seizure.  Which patient is most at risk for seizure when taking Cipro?
a.  patient with renal insufficiency taking Theophylline
b.  young female patient taking estrogen-containing contraceptives
c.  elderly patient taking laxatives
d.  middle aged man with a history of Achilles’ tendon repair

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An adolescent patient is taking tetracycline for acne PO.  The mother asks you why the drug can’t be given to children.  Which comment below do you base your answer on:
 a.  it is poorly absorbed from the GI tract of children
b.  it has  a very high potential to cause photosensitivity in children
c.  It may darken the […]

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There are several classes of antibiotic drugs.  You must understand how each differs, and how to care for patients receiving each class.  Post your questions below.

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