A nurse needs to administer a cephalosporin to a patient. The ...

[lbcchick]

A nurse needs to administer a cephalosporin to a patient. The patient informs the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
 
  A) Inform the primary health care provider.
  B) Obtain the patient's occupational history.
  C) Administer an antipyretic drug.
  D) Obtain specimens for kidney function tests.

Question 2

A 75-year-old patient with a history of renal impairment is admitted to the primary health care center with a UTI and has been prescribed a cephalosporin.
 
  Which of the following interventions is most important for the nurse to perform when caring for this patient?
 
  A) Monitoring fluid intake
  B) Monitoring blood creatinine levels
  C) Testing for occult blood
  D) Testing for increased glucose levels

[heyhey123]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Patients with a history of an allergy to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporin, so the nurse needs to inform the primary health care provider before the first dose of the drug is given. An antipyretic drug is administered when there is an increase in the body temperature of a patient receiving cephalosporin. Liver and kidney function tests may be ordered by the primary health care provider, not the nurse. Occupational history should be obtained before administration of any drug, irrespective of the patient's allergies.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
An elderly patient is more susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of the cephalosporins. Since renal impairment is present, it is important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's blood creatinine levels. The nurse should conduct a test for occult blood if blood and mucus occur in the stool and monitor the fluid intake if there is a decrease in urine output. The nurse does not need to monitor for increased glucose levels unless the patient has a history of diabetes.

[lbcchick]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[heyhey123]

Great! Please up vote