Author Question: An older adult patient has been prescribed telithromycin for community-acquired pneumonia. The nurse ... (Read 119 times)

crazycityslicker · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

An older adult patient has been prescribed telithromycin for community-acquired pneumonia. The nurse has contacted the patient's primary care provider because the patient is on replacement corticosteroid therapy.

Why is concomitant use of telithromycin and corticosteroids contraindicated? A) The woman may be unable to adequately metabolize her corticosteroid.
B) The effect of the corticosteroid may be greatly increased.
C) The woman may have an increased risk of thromboembolism.
D) The corticosteroid may negate the efficacy of the telithromycin.

Question 2

A patient who is well-known to the clinic asked if it would safe for him to take Excedrin Extra Strength for the treatment of a severe headache.

The nurse is well aware of this patient's medical history and should advise against using this medication based on what aspect of his current health status? A) The patient has not adhered to previous treatment regimens.
B) The patient has a chronic venous ulcer on his lower leg.
C) The patient has a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.
D) The patient is a smoker.

Jmfn03 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
Telithromycin is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor. Combination of this drug with several medications, including corticosteroids, results in an increased serum concentration of these other drugs.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
People with hepatic impairment should not receive this combination agent on an ongoing basis. They may not metabolize acetaminophen in this combined medication effectively, leading to hepatotoxicity. Lack of previous adherence, cigarette smoking, and the presence of skin ulcers do not necessarily contraindicate the use of this drug.