The nurse is analyzing laboratory results for a patient who ...

[Sportsfan2111]

The nurse is analyzing laboratory results for a patient who receives gentamicin (Garamycin) twice a day. The patient's peak gentamicin serum level is 3 mcg/mL. How would the nurse interpret this finding?
 
  a. The level would be considered a safe peak level.
  b. The level would be considered a toxic peak level.
  c. The level would be considered a subtherapeutic peak level.
  d. The level would be irrelevant, because a peak level is not indicated.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with a Pseudomonas infection and has just administered amikacin (Amikin). What is the advantage of this aminoglycoside over the other aminoglycosides?
 
  a. It poses less risk of thrombophlebitis.
  b. It is the most resistant to bacteria.
  c. It is active against gram-positive bacteria.
  d. It is eliminated quicker than the others.

[nathang24]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Peak levels should range from 4 to10 mcg/mL for traditional dosing and from 16 to 24 mcg/mL for once daily dosing. This value should be interpreted as subtherapeutic.
This value indicates subtherapeutic dosing and is not safe or toxic.
Peak levels are not irrelevant in medications that have significant risk for toxicity and have a narrow therapeutic index.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin is the most resistant to bacteria.
The aminoglycosides pose no apparent risk of thrombophlebitis.
Amikacin is the preferred agent for initial treatment of infections caused by aerobic gram-negative bacilli, not gram-positive bacteria.
Amikacin is not eliminated any faster through the kidneys than the other aminoglycosides.

[Sportsfan2111]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[dantucker]

Great answer, keep it coming