Author Question: The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous polymyxin antibiotic. The patient reports ... (Read 91 times)

joe · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous polymyxin antibiotic. The patient reports dizziness along with numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. The nurse will perform which action?

a. Administer the drug since these are harmless side effects.
b. Hold the drug and notify the provider of these adverse reactions.
c. Obtain an order for an oral form of this medication.
d. Request an order for serum electrolytes.

Question 2

A patient will begin taking streptomycin as part of the medication regimen to treat tuberculosis. Before administering this medication, the nurse will review which laboratory values in the patient's medical record?

a. Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white cell count
b. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
c. Potassium and magnesium levels
d. Serum fasting glucose

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Polymyxins can cause nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. This patient has signs of neurotoxicity, so the nurse should notify the provider. These effects are generally reversible when the drug is discontinued. It is not correct to administer the drug when these symptoms are present. Polymyxins are not absorbed orally. Serum electrolytes are not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Streptomycin can cause significant renal toxicity.