A female patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole ...

[Cooldude101]

A female patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) (Bactrim, Septra) to treat a urinary tract infection reports vaginal itching and discharge. The nurse will perform which action?
 
  a. Ask the patient if she might be pregnant.
  b. Reassure the patient that this is a normal side effect.
  c. Report a possible superinfection to the provider.
  d. Suspect that the patient is having a hematologic reaction.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to give a dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and learns that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse will request an order for
 
  a. a decreased dose of TMP-SMX.
  b. a different antibiotic.
  c. an increased dose of warfarin.
  d. coagulation studies.

[dawsa925]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Superinfection can occur with a secondary infection. Vaginal itching and discharge is a sign of superinfection. This is not symptomatic of pregnancy. These are not common side effects and do not indicate a hematologic reaction.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Sulfonamides can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. The nurse should request INR levels. An increased dose of warfarin would likely lead to toxicity and to undesirable anticoagulation.

[Cooldude101]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[samiel-sayed]

Excellent