The nurse is preparing to administer meperidine (Demerol), which ...

[MirandaLo]

The nurse is preparing to administer meperidine (Demerol), which is an opioid analgesic, and promethazine (Phenergan), which is an antiemetic and antihistamine. The nurse understands that these drugs are given in combination for which reason?
 
  a. They have antagonistic effects to reduce nausea.
  b. They have additive effects to enhance analgesia.
  c. They have potentiating effects to decrease an allergic response.
  d. They have synergistic effects to increase sedation.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who receives theophylline, which has a narrow therapeutic index. The patient has been receiving cimetidine but will stop taking that drug in 2 days. In 2 days, the nurse will observe the patient closely for
 
  a. decreased effectiveness of theophylline.
  b. increased effectiveness of theophylline.
  c. decreased toxicity of theophylline.
  d. prolonged effectiveness of theophylline.

[tashiedavis420]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Meperidine and promethazine have a synergistic effect on each other with a clinical effect that is substantially greater than the combined effect of the two.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Cimetidine is an enzyme inhibitor that decreases the metabolism of drugs such as theophylline. If the cimetidine is discontinued, the theophylline dose should be decreased to avoid toxicity. The nurse should observe the patient for increased theophylline effects.

[MirandaLo]

Great answer, keep it coming

[bulacsom]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it