A patient who has been diagnosed with human immune deficiency ...

[penza]

A patient who has been diagnosed with human immune deficiency syndrome is given ganciclovir (Cytovene) to prevent cytomegalovirus. The patient develops granulocytopenia.
 
  How long will it take for the granulocytes to regenerate after the ganciclovir is discontinued? A) 5 days
  B) 7 days
  C) 10 days
  D) 14 days

Question 2

A 12-year-old boy has been diagnosed with acute otitis externa. The patient's mother has asked if oral medications might be more effective than ear drops.
 
  The nurse should respond in the knowledge that systemic medications for the treatment of otitis externa are only indicated in what circumstances? A) The infection is accompanied by ear discharge.
  B) The patient is allergic to penicillins.
  C) The patient is unable to self-administer ear drops.
  D) A deep tissue infection develops.

[nathang24]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Ganciclovir causes granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia in 20 to 40 of recipients, often during the first 2 weeks of therapy. If severe bone marrow depression occurs, ganciclovir should be discontinued; recovery usually occurs within a week of stopping the drug. Five days after discontinuing the drug is too soon to see a change in granulocytopenia. Ten to fourteen days is too long for change to occur. It should have occurred within 1 week.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
For acute otitis externa, use of topical agents, as opposed to systemic agents, is more common. Systemic medications are indicated only if a deep tissue infection develops outside the external canal or if immunocompromised status is an issue. Allergy status, ability to self-administer, and the presence or discharge are not indications for systemic antibiotics.