A patient is being treated with amphotericin B Abelcet for a ...

[09madisonrousseau09]

A patient is being treated with amphotericin B Abelcet for a systemic fungal infection. After several weeks of therapy, the provider orders flucytosine Ancobon in addition to the amphote-ricin.
 
  The nurse understands that the rationale for this combination is that it: a. broadens the antifungal spectrum.
  b. improves the effectiveness of the ampho-tericin B.
  c. lowers the dose of amphotericin B and reduces toxicity.
  d. treats fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection.

Question 2

A patient is being treated for a systemic fungal infection with amphotericin B Abelcet and will be discharged home from the hospital to complete every other day infusions of the medication for 6 to 8 weeks.
 
  The nurse provides discharge teaching before dismissal. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? a. I may experience headaches and pain in my lower back, legs, and abdomen.
  b. I may need to take potassium supple-ments while taking this drug.
  c. I should take acetaminophen and di-phenhydramine before each infusion.
  d. I will need to have blood drawn for se-rum creatinine and BUN levels every 3 to 4 days.

[jamesnevil303]

Answer to Question 1

C
Amphotericin potentiates the antifungal actions of flucytosine, and combining flucytosine with low-dose amphotericin can produce antifungal effects equivalent to those of high-dose amphote-ricin. By allowing a reduced dose of amphotericin, the combination also reduces the risk of am-photericin-induced toxicity. Flucytosine does not affect the effectiveness of amphotericin. The combination does not broaden the antifungal spectrum or alter the ability to treat CNS infections.

Answer to Question 2

A
Headaches, lower back pain, leg pain, and abdominal pain occur with intrathecal administration of amphotericin B. Patients taking amphotericin may experience hypokalemia and may need po-tassium supplements. Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine should be taken to minimize infusion reaction effects. Renal function should be monitored every 3 to 4 days during treatment.

[09madisonrousseau09]

Thank you!

[jamesnevil303]

Always glad to help...