A patient is taking cefadroxil (Duricef) and comes to the clinic ...

[olgavictoria]

A patient is taking cefadroxil (Duricef) and comes to the clinic complaining of loose stools for several days. The primary care NP notes normal vital signs; warm, pink skin with elastic turgor; and moist mucous membranes. The NP should:
 
  a. order tests for Clostridium difficileassociated disease (CDAD).
  b. discontinue the cefadroxil.
  c. reassure the patient that loose stools are common with antibiotics.
  d. recommend consuming lactobacillus-containing foods to minimize diarrhea.

Question 2

A 12-month-old child with severe developmental delays was recently treated in an emergency department for a febrile seizure and is seen by the primary care NP for a follow-up visit.
 
  The child's parent asks if it is necessary to continue giving the child phenobarbital. The NP should tell the parent that: a. the phenobarbital may be used on an as-needed basis.
  b. the phenobarbital may be stopped when an EEG is normal.
  c. once the febrile illness is past, the phenobarbital may be stopped.
  d. their child is at increased risk for seizures and should continue the phenobarbital.

[ecox1012]

Answer to Question 1

A
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that CDAD be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibiotic use. This patient's symptoms are mild, so discontinuation of the drug is not warranted unless CDAD is present.

Answer to Question 2

D
Although the American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that the risks of long-term treatment with phenobarbital outweigh the potential benefits in most cases, continued treatment with this drug is used in children at greatest risk for future neurologic problems, including children with febrile seizures before 18 months of age and children with neurologic dysfunction or severe developmental delays.

[olgavictoria]

TYSM

[dyrone]

Excellent