Answer to Question 1
ANS: A
Suramin sodium can cause severe side effects, including a shock-like syndrome with IV dosing. A small test dose should be given initially to make sure this is not likely. Patients receiving pentamidine should be supine while receiving that drug. It is not necessary to provide a fatty snack with suramin or to obtain LFTs before administration.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: D
The nurse should withhold the drug and notify the prescriber, because these symptoms may indicate neurologic involvement. Numbness is not a common side effect of metronidazole. Encouraging the patient to move the hands and feet frequently to improve circulation would not address the neurologic symptoms. Advising the patient to avoid constrictive clothing and crossing the legs would not address the neurologic symptoms.