A 35-year-old African American male in the military is hospitalized with an MRSA skin infection. The patient starts treatment with an antibiotic and becomes anemic and jaundiced. On peripheral blood smear, Heinz bodies are seen within red blood cells. What is the mechanism of action of the antibiotic given to this patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: MRSA treatment causing anemia, jaundice, and Heinz bodies suggests dapsone (sulfa drug), which inhibits folic acid metabolism . Oxidative stress from dapsone in G6PD-deficient patients (common in African Americans) leads to hemolysis. Options and are macrolide and tetracycline mechanisms. Option is penicillin's action. RNA polymerase inhibition (E) is rifampin's. Dapsone's sulfa action fits the clinical picture, with hemolysis as a side effect, not its primary MRSA mechanism, but the question's focus on outcome aligns with folate pathway disruption.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Novahistine DM combines codeine (antitussive), phenylephrine (decongestant), and chlorpheniramine (antihistamine), causing sedation and impaired judgment. 'Do not make important decisions or operate machinery' is critical, as codeine's CNS depression, amplified by chlorpheniramine, risks accidents (correct answers: 3, 4, 5). Water aids swallowing but isn't key. Bedside storage risks overuse. Adherence is vital but secondary to safety. Choice D prioritizes preventing harm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology provide foundational knowledge for pharmacology, enabling nurses to understand drug actions, interactions, and patient responses, ultimately enhancing patient care through informed medication administration. Pharmacology as an outgrowth oversimplifies its integration with these sciences. Curriculum mandates explain requirements but not their value. Understanding these subjects is essential, yet the broader goal is applying this to care, not just comprehension. Linking them to patient outcomes-like knowing how antibiotics target bacteria (microbiology) or how drugs affect organs (anatomy/physiology)-grounds pharmacology in practical, holistic nursing practice, making it the strongest rationale.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is generally considered to be 0.6-1.2 mmol/L (which is equivalent to 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). However, some sources may state a slightly wider range of 0.5-1.5 mEq/L. It is important to note that individual patient factors and clinical judgment should also be considered when interpreting lithium levels. Levels below the therapeutic range may be subtherapeutic and not provide the desired therapeutic effect, while levels above the range may result in toxicity and adverse effects. Monitoring lithium levels regularly is important to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Levetiracetam treats focal complex partial seizures by modulating synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, reducing excitability with broad efficacy, good tolerability, and minimal interactions, making it an appropriate initial therapy. Ethosuximide targets absence seizures, not focal. Diazepam manages acute seizures, not maintenance. Carbamazepine plus primidone is excessive; carbamazepine alone controls focal seizures via sodium channel blockade but has more interactions. Watchful waiting risks progression. Levetiracetam's profile, per guidelines, suits this patient as a first-line choice.