A patient will receive penicillin to treat an infection. The ...

[ericka1]

A patient will receive penicillin to treat an infection. The provider orders probenecid (Probalan), a medication to treat gout, even though the patient does not have gout. Which action by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. Administer the drug since the provider ordered it.
  b. Recognize that it is being given prophylactically.
  c. Refuse to administer the medication since it is not indicated.
  d. Verify that it is being given for its secondary action.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who takes digoxin to treat heart failure. The provider orders furosemide to treat edema. The nurse will monitor the patient for digitalis toxicity because of
 
  a. adverse drug reactions caused by giving these drugs in combination.
  b. altered hepatic blood flow caused by the furosemide.
  c. changes in reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the kidneys.
  d. additive effects of these two drugs given together.

[Tonyam972]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Two or more drugs with the same route of excretion may compete with each other for elimination. Probenecid is given because it inhibits the excretion of penicillin, which may be desirable when the provider wants to prolong the plasma concentration of penicillin. The nurse should always verify an order that may not be clear.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Diuretics such as furosemide promote water and sodium excretion from the renal tubules, especially sodium and potassium. Hypokalemia can result, and this will enhance the action of digoxin, and digitalis toxicity can occur.

[ericka1]

Thank you!

[Tonyam972]

Always glad to help...