ATI RN
NCLEX questions on chemotherapy drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient on antibacterial therapy has to do an operation in which a skeletal muscle relaxant may be used. He will be at risk if this antimicrobial is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Aminoglycoside. Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin and neomycin, can potentiate the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants leading to increased muscle weakness or respiratory depression. This interaction can be dangerous during surgery as it can compromise the patient's ability to breathe properly or respond to changes in anesthesia. Rifampicin (A) is an antibiotic used in tuberculosis treatment and does not have significant interactions with skeletal muscle relaxants. Ciprofloxacin (C) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and Penicillin (D) is a beta-lactam antibiotic, neither of which are known to pose a risk of interaction with skeletal muscle relaxants. Educationally, understanding drug interactions is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety. Knowledge of potential interactions between medications can help prevent adverse events and improve patient outcomes. It is important to always consider a patient's complete medication regimen, including antibiotics, when planning surgical interventions to mitigate risks and provide optimal care.
Question 2 of 5
A man with a history of multiple antibiotic resistance is given a prophylactic IV dose of antibiotic before surgery. As the antibiotic is being infused, the patient becomes flushed over most of his body. Which of the following antibiotics is most likely responsible?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Vancomycin. In this scenario, the patient's reaction of flushing over most of his body indicates a possible "Red Man Syndrome," a common adverse reaction associated with Vancomycin administration. This reaction occurs due to the rapid infusion of Vancomycin, leading to histamine release and subsequent vasodilation. A) Erythromycin is not typically associated with the "Red Man Syndrome" reaction seen in this patient. Erythromycin is more commonly known for gastrointestinal side effects. B) Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and is not commonly associated with the flushing reaction described in the scenario. D) Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic but is not known to cause the rapid onset of flushing seen with Vancomycin. Educational Context: Understanding the adverse effects of antibiotics is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers, especially when administering medications to patients with a history of multiple antibiotic resistance. Recognizing and managing adverse drug reactions promptly is essential for ensuring patient safety and well-being during treatment. This scenario highlights the importance of medication knowledge, patient assessment skills, and critical thinking in clinical practice.
Question 3 of 5
A patient develops severe, watery diarrhea, fever & abdominal pain. Clostridium difficile infection in the gut is confirmed. The antimicrobial therapy for this antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the case of Clostridium difficile infection causing antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis, the preferred antimicrobial therapy is either Metronidazole (option B) or Vancomycin (option C), hence the correct answer being D. Metronidazole and Vancomycin are effective against Clostridium difficile, targeting the bacteria causing the infection. Amoxicillin (option A) is not a recommended treatment for C. difficile as it does not have activity against this specific bacteria. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the correct treatment options is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals preparing for the NCLEX. Knowledge of appropriate antibiotic therapies for specific infections is essential for providing safe and effective patient care. By grasping the mechanisms of action of these drugs and their indications, students can make informed clinical decisions and contribute to positive patient outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is the most effective agent in the treatment of Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia infections?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Tetracycline. Tetracycline is the most effective agent in the treatment of Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia infections due to its broad-spectrum antibiotic properties. Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis in these bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, thus preventing the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain. Option A) Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, but it is not effective against the intracellular bacteria listed in the question. Option B) Gentamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic primarily used for gram-negative bacterial infections and is not the first-line treatment for Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, or Chlamydia infections. Option C) Penicillin G is a beta-lactam antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria but is not the drug of choice for the intracellular bacteria mentioned. Understanding the specific indications for each chemotherapy drug is crucial in clinical practice. Tetracycline's mechanism of action and spectrum of activity make it the most suitable choice for treating Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia infections. As a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX exam, mastering such drug classifications and their applications is essential for safe and effective patient care.
Question 5 of 5
Hypersensitivity reaction is a common and serious complication to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of chemotherapy drugs, hypersensitivity reactions can be a significant concern due to the potential for severe adverse effects. The correct answer to the question, "Hypersensitivity reaction is a common and serious complication to:" is D) B & C (Penicillins and Sulfonamides). Penicillins and Sulfonamides are both known to commonly cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients. Penicillins, a class of antibiotics, are notorious for causing allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis. Sulfonamides, another class of antibiotics, are also associated with hypersensitivity reactions that can manifest as skin rashes, drug fever, and more serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Erythromycin, on the other hand (option A), is not typically associated with hypersensitivity reactions to the extent that Penicillins and Sulfonamides are. While hypersensitivity reactions to erythromycin are possible, they are less common and less severe compared to the other two drug classes. Educationally, it is crucial for nursing and medical students preparing for exams like the NCLEX to understand the common side effects and adverse reactions associated with different drug classes. This knowledge is essential for safe medication administration, assessment of patient responses to treatment, and timely intervention in case of adverse reactions. Understanding the specific risks associated with Penicillins and Sulfonamides can help healthcare professionals prevent, recognize, and manage hypersensitivity reactions effectively.