The patient, a physician returning from a trip to the tropics, is ...

[nautica902]

The patient, a physician returning from a trip to the tropics, is prescribed chloroquine and asks the nurse how it works. What is the nurse's best response?
 
  A) Blocks the plasmodium's ability to synthesize ribonucleic acid
  B) Changes the metabolic pathways necessary for the reproduction of the plasmodium
  C) Interrupts the cell wall preventing entry of nutrients into the plasmodium
  D) It is alkaline and decreases the ability of the parasite to synthesize deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient who is taking oxybutynin (Ditropan). What would be the priority nursing assessment for this patient?
 
  A) Skin condition
  B) Cardiac arrhythmia
  C) Vision changes
  D) Mental status

[voltaire123]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Chloroquine is currently the mainstay of antimalarial therapy. This drug enters human red blood cells and changes the metabolic pathways necessary for the reproduction of the plasmodium (see Figure 12.1). In addition, this agent is directly toxic to parasites that absorb it, it is acidic, and it decreases the ability of the parasite to synthesize DNA, leading to a blockage of reproduction.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The nurse should assess for vision changes and recommend an ophthalmologic examination during treatment to evaluate drug effects on intraocular pressure so that the drug can be stopped if intraocular pressure increases. A rash and changes in cardiac rhythm and rate are possible adverse effects. Also, disorientation (mental status) could be a concern. However, these effects can be treated and may not necessitate stopping the medication.

[nautica902]

TYSM

[AmberC1996]

Excellent