A nurse is evaluating a client who is HIV positive who is prescribed with pentamidine (Pentam) IV for

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Redness and pain at the site of the infusion are important signs of a potential infiltration or extravasation of the medication, in this case pentamidine (Pentam) IV. Pentamidine is an antimicrobial medication used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in patients who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV. Infiltration or extravasation of IV medications can lead to significant tissue damage, necrosis, and other complications. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately address any signs of redness and pain at the infusion site to prevent further harm to the patient. This assessment finding should be promptly relayed to the physician for appropriate management, which may include discontinuation of the infusion, monitoring for complications, and providing alternative treatments if necessary. The other assessment findings (blood pressure of 100/62 mm/Hg

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Naloxone is the appropriate medication to be administered to a patient with a suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it can quickly reverse the effects of opioids on the central nervous system. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, blocking their effects and rapidly restoring normal respiration and consciousness in a person who has overdosed on opioids. This can be a life-saving treatment for opioid overdose patients. Exenatide, Heparin, and Tolvaptan are not appropriate medications for reversing opioid overdose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The therapeutic range for Lithium is typically considered to be 0.6-1.2 mEq/L for maintenance treatment. However, some sources may also suggest a wider therapeutic range of 0.5-2 mEq/L. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range and to adjust the dosage accordingly to avoid toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Thus, option C (0.5-2) provides a more comprehensive and inclusive range that is commonly referenced in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) is a commonly used topical local anesthetic cream. It contains a combination of lidocaine and prilocaine. This combination of local anesthetics work together to provide effective pain relief when applied to the skin before certain medical procedures like needle insertion, laser treatment, or minor skin surgeries. Lidocaine and prilocaine work by blocking nerve signals in the skin, reducing sensations of pain and discomfort in the area where the cream is applied.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the mechanisms of action of antiseptics and disinfectants is crucial for their effective use. The correct answer, "precipitation of bacterial cell proteins," is a key mechanism for the bactericidal/bacteriostatic effects of these agents. Antiseptics and disinfectants work by denaturing proteins in bacterial cells, leading to their inactivation and eventual death. This mechanism disrupts the structural integrity and function of bacterial cells, rendering them unable to survive or reproduce. Option B, "disruption of bacterial cell membrane," is not typically a primary mechanism for antiseptics and disinfectants. While some agents may act by disrupting membranes, the precipitation of bacterial cell proteins is a more common and effective mechanism for achieving bactericidal effects. Option C, "inhibition of essential bacterial enzymes," and Option D, "inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis," are mechanisms more commonly associated with antibiotics rather than antiseptics and disinfectants. Antiseptics and disinfectants primarily target the structural components of bacterial cells rather than specific enzymatic pathways or nucleic acid synthesis. Educationally, grasping these distinctions enhances students' understanding of how different classes of antimicrobial agents function and how to select the most appropriate agent for a given clinical situation. By comprehending the specific mechanisms of action of antiseptics and disinfectants, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions to optimize patient care and infection control practices.