ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 40 : Antiviral Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is taking topical acyclovir, and the nurse is providing instructions about adverse effects. The nurse will discuss which adverse effects of topical acyclovir therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transient burning may occur with topical application of acyclovir.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has undergone a lung transplant has contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The nurse expects which drug to be ordered for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ganciclovir is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Acyclovir is used for herpes simplex types 1 and 2, and herpes zoster; amantadine is used for influenza type A; and ribavirin is used for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Question 3 of 5
An infant has been hospitalized with a severe lung infection caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and will be receiving medication via the inhalation route. The nurse expects which drug to be used?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The inhalational form of ribavirin (Virazole) is used primarily in the treatment of hospitalized infants with severe lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine. However, the prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine because of its dose-limiting adverse effect. Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bone marrow suppression is often the reason that a patient with HIV infection has to be switched to another anti-HIV drug such as didanosine. The two drugs can be taken together, cutting back on the dosages of both and thus decreasing the likelihood of toxicity.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering intravenous acyclovir to a patient with a viral infection. Which administration technique is correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Intravenous infusions must be diluted as recommended (e.g., with 5% dextrose in water or normal saline) and infused with caution. Infusion over longer than 1 hour is suggested to avoid the renal tubular damage seen with more rapid infusions. Adequate hydration should be encouraged (unless contraindicated) during the infusion and for several hours afterward to prevent drug-related crystalluria. Intravenous acyclovir is stable for 12 hours at room temperature and will often precipitate when refrigerated.