Author Question: Administering an aminoglycoside as monotherapy: 1. shortens the duration of therapy. 2. can lead ... (Read 47 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Administering an aminoglycoside as monotherapy:

1. shortens the duration of therapy.
2. can lead to resistant bacterial strains.
3. reduces the incidence of adverse effects.
4. indicates that it is given intravenously.

Question 2

A client is prescribed gentamicin (Garamycin) concurrently with acyclovir (Zovirax). Which assessment would be the priority for the nurse?

1. Balance
2. Kidney function lab tests
3. Hearing
4. Visual acuity

huda · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Monotherapy does not affect the duration of therapy.
Rationale 2: Monotherapy can lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria.
Rationale 3: Monotherapy does not reduce the incidence of adverse effects.
Rationale 4: Bioavailability is associated with the route by which a drug is administered.
Global Rationale: Resistance develops quickly when aminoglycosides are administered as monotherapy. Resistance occurs when a species acquires an ability to degrade the antibiotic. Monotherapy does not shorten length of therapy and is not a strategy to reduce incidence of adverse effects. Monotherapy is not related to route of administration.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The concurrent use of acyclovir and gentamicin is not associated with vestibular toxicity.
Rationale 2: Concurrent use of gentamicin and acyclovir increases the risk of nephrotoxicity. A symptom of nephrotoxicity would be detected by monitoring kidney function tests.
Rationale 3: Acyclovir is not associated with ototoxicity.
Rationale 4: Visual disturbances are not associated with gentamicin therapy.
Global Rationale: Concurrent use of gentamicin and acyclovir increases the risk of nephrotoxicity. A symptom of nephrotoxicity would be detected by monitoring kidney function tests. Gentamycin alone can cause vertigo and ototoxicity, but these findings are not complicated by the addition of acyclovir. Visual acuity is not affected.