Author Question: A patient who was unable to provide a medication history was admitted to the unit. The patient is ... (Read 71 times)

c0205847 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who was unable to provide a medication history was admitted to the unit. The patient is receiving penicillin for treatment of an infection. The patient begins to wheeze.

Upon assessing the patient, the nurse finds an edematous airway, bronchoconstriction, and a blood pressure of 88/47. The nurse's priority action should be to
a. obtain suction and an oropharyngeal airway device.
b. administer epinephrine (adrenalin).
c. check the oxygen saturation and apply oxygen.
d. administer IV fluids to increase the blood pressure.

Question 2

A nurse transcribes a new prescription for potassium penicillin G given intravenously (IV) q 8 h and gentamicin IV q 12 h. Which plan is the best schedule for administering these drugs?

a. Give the penicillin at 0800, 1600, and 2400; give the gentamicin (Garamycin) at 1800 and 0600.
b. Give the penicillin at 0800, 1600, and 2400; give the gentamicin (Garamycin) at 1200 and 2400.
c. Give the penicillin at 0600, 1400, and 2200; give the gentamicin (Garamycin) at 0600 and 1800.
d. Give the penicillin every 8 hours; give the gentamicin (Garamycin) simultaneously with two of the penicillin doses.

Christopher · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The priority is to reverse the allergic reaction. This can be done by administering epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylaxis (which the patient is manifesting).
Nothing indicates a need for suction.
Checking the oxygen saturation is a waste of time.
IV fluids may be a consideration if the blood pressure does not rise after administration of epinephrine, but epinephrine is the priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Gentamicin should never be administered concurrently with penicillin, because they will interact, and the penicillin may inactivate the aminoglycoside.
All these options show concurrent administration.