Which one of the following antiviral drugs is effective against hepatitis B and C infections:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Interferon. Interferon is an antiviral drug that is effective against hepatitis B and C infections. Interferon works by boosting the body's immune response to fight the viruses causing these infections. It is often used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C to help reduce viral replication and slow down the progression of the diseases. Option B) Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes infections, not hepatitis B and C. Option C) Amantadine is an antiviral drug used to treat influenza A infections, not hepatitis B and C. Option D) Zidovudine is an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV infections, not hepatitis B and C. Understanding the correct antiviral drugs for specific infections is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who may administer these medications to patients. Knowing the mechanisms of action and indications for each drug helps ensure safe and effective treatment for patients with viral infections. This knowledge is essential for passing the NCLEX exam and providing quality patient care in practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of chemotherapy drugs for severe intestinal or hepatic amebiasis, the correct answer is A) Metronidazole. Metronidazole is an antibiotic specifically effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, making it the drug of choice for treating intestinal and hepatic amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica. It works by disrupting the DNA structure of these organisms, leading to their death. Cefotaxime (B), Doxycycline (C), and Clarithromycin (D) are not the preferred drugs for treating amebiasis. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic effective against a different range of bacteria, not protozoa. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic primarily used for bacterial infections, not protozoal infections like amebiasis. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for respiratory tract infections caused by specific bacteria, not protozoa. In an educational context, understanding the specific mechanisms of action and indications for different chemotherapy drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when dealing with infectious diseases like amebiasis. Knowing the appropriate drug for a particular condition can significantly impact patient outcomes by ensuring effective treatment and minimizing the risk of drug resistance or treatment failure. This knowledge is particularly important for nurses and pharmacists who may administer these drugs or educate patients on their proper use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this NCLEX question on chemotherapy drugs, the correct answer is A) Cefamandole. The disturbance of vitamin K-dependent clotting function is associated with cefamandole because cefamandole is an antibiotic that can interfere with the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, leading to a deficiency in these factors and subsequent bleeding disorders. Regarding the incorrect options: - B) Cephradine, C) Cefacior, and D) Cefpodoxime are all cephalosporin antibiotics, but they do not have the same mechanism of action as cefamandole in terms of interfering with vitamin K-dependent clotting function. Therefore, they are not associated with this particular side effect. It is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to understand the side effects and mechanisms of action of chemotherapy drugs like cefamandole to provide safe and effective care to patients receiving these medications. Understanding how certain drugs can impact specific physiological processes, such as clotting function in this case, is essential for monitoring patients for potential complications and providing appropriate interventions when needed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of chemotherapy drugs, it is essential to understand the specific uses of each medication to ensure safe and effective patient care. Cyclosporine is primarily used for the prevention of transplant rejection. This drug works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the body from attacking and rejecting transplanted organs. Option A, allergies, is incorrect because Cyclosporine is not indicated for the treatment of allergies. Option B, angina, is also incorrect as Cyclosporine is not used to manage chest pain associated with angina. Option D, steroid deficiency, is incorrect as Cyclosporine does not address issues related to steroid deficiency. Educationally, it is important for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam to have a solid foundation in pharmacology, especially in understanding the specific uses and mechanisms of action of chemotherapy drugs like Cyclosporine. This knowledge is crucial for safe medication administration, patient education, and recognizing potential drug interactions or adverse effects. Understanding the correct use of Cyclosporine can help nursing students provide optimal care to patients undergoing organ transplantation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Vancomycin. Vancomycin is known to cause "Red man syndrome," which presents as flushing over the upper body. This reaction is not an allergic response but rather an infusion-related histamine release due to the rapid infusion rate of vancomycin. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this side effect to manage it effectively by slowing down the infusion rate or administering antihistamines. Option A) Erythromycin is not typically associated with flushing reactions. Option B) Gentamicin is not known to cause flushing but rather is more commonly associated with renal toxicity and ototoxicity. Option C) Penicillin G does not typically cause flushing but is more commonly associated with allergic reactions such as hives or anaphylaxis. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and adverse reactions of commonly used medications like vancomycin is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in administering chemotherapy drugs or prophylactic antibiotics. Recognizing and managing adverse drug reactions promptly can prevent serious complications and improve patient outcomes.