Author Question: A patient is taking sertraline Zoloft for depression, and the provider orders azithromycin Zithromax ... (Read 34 times)

HudsonKB16 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is taking sertraline Zoloft for depression, and the provider orders azithromycin Zithromax to treat an infection. What will the nurse do?

a. Contact the provider to discuss an alterna-tive to azithromycin.
b. Request an order for a different antide-pressant medication.
c. Request an order to reduce the dose of sertraline.
d. Withhold the sertraline while giving the azithromycin.

Question 2

A provider orders clonidine Catapres for a patient withdrawing from opioids. When explaining the rationale for this drug choice, the nurse will tell this patient that clonidine Catapres is used to:

a. prevent opioid craving.
b. reduce somnolence and drowsiness.
c. relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
d. stimulate autonomic activity.

britb2u · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Both sertraline and azithromycin prolong the QT interval, and when taken together, they increase the risk of fatal dysrhythmias. Because the antibiotic is used for a short time, it is correct to con-sider using a different antibiotic. Reducing the dose of sertraline does not alter the combined ef-fects of two drugs that lengthen the QT interval. Sertraline should not be stopped abruptly, so withholding it during antibiotic therapy is not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

C
When administered to an individual physically dependent on opioids, clonidine can suppress some symptoms of abstinence. Clonidine is most effective against symptoms related to auto-nomic hyperactivity, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clonidine does not stimulate au-tonomic activity; it is effective against symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity. Clonidine does not reduce somnolence and drowsiness. Clonidine does not prevent opioid craving.