ATI section 9: Medications for the Immune System

Question 1

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Aminoglycosides

Answer 1

-Amikacin, Gentamicin sulfate, Streptomycin

-Therapeutic Use
Septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia

-Precautions
High risk for ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity
Monitor for creatinine and BUN
Peak and trough levels
Therapeutic range: gentamicin 4-12 mcg/dL

Question 2

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Cephalosporins

Answer 2

-ceph, cef

-Therapeutic Use
Upper respiratory, skin, urinary infections
Used as prophylaxis for clients at risk

-Precautions
Cross-sensitivity with penicillins
Monitor for signs of C-diff

Question 3

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Fluoroquinolones

Answer 3

-floxacin

-Therapeutic Use
Bronchitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, PID, UTI, pneumonia, prostatitis, sinusitis

-Precautions
Caution with hepatic, renal, or seizure disorder

Question 4

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Macrolides

Answer 4

-mycin

-Therapeutic Use
Upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, Legionnaires disease, whooping cough, acute dypyheria, chlamydia

-Precautions
Used for clients who have penicillin allergy
Administer with meals

Question 5

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Nitrofurantoin

Answer 5

-Therapeutic Use
UTI

-Precautions
Broad-spectrum
Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Urine will have brown discoloration

Question 6

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Penicillins

Answer 6

-cillin

-Therapeutic Use
Pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, septicemia, endocarditis, rheumatic fever, GYN infections

-Precautions
Hypersensitivity with possible anaphylaxis

Question 7

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Sulfonamides

Answer 7

-sulfa

-Therapeutic Use
UTI, bronchitis, otitis media

-Precautions
Consume at least 3L/day of fluid
Use backup contraceptives
Avoid sun exposure

Question 8

Multigeneration Antibiotics

Tetracyclines

Answer 8

-cycline

-Therapeutic Use
Fungal, bacterial, protozoal, rickettsial infections

-Precautions
Consume at least 3L/day of fluid
Use backup contraceptives
Avoid sun exposure
Permanent tooth discoloration if given to children younger than 8 years

Question 9

Antifungals

Answer 9

-Fluconazole (Diflucan)

-Therapeutic Use
Candidiasis infections

-Precautions
Monitor hepatic and renal function
Refrigerate suspensions
Increased risk of bleeding for clients taking anticoagulants

Question 10

Antimalarials

Answer 10

-Hydroxychloroquine, Quinine sulfate

-Therapeutic Use
Prevent malarial attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus

-Precautions
Increased risk of psoriasis
Monitor for drug-induced retinopathy

Question 11

Antiprotozoal

Answer 11

-Metronidazole (Flagyl)

-Therapeutic Use
Trichomoniasis and giardiasis, C-diff, amebic dysentery, PID, vaginosis

-Precautions
Take with food
Do not consume alcohol during therapy or 48 hrs after completion of regimen

Question 12

Antituberculars

Answer 12

-INH, Rifampin

-Therapeutic Use
Prevention and tx of TB
Latent TB INH: 6-9 months
Active TB: multiple therapy up to 24 months

-Precautions
Risk of neuropathies and hepatotoxicity
Consume foods high in vitamin B
Avoid foods with tyramine (INH)
Increased risk of phenytoin (Dilantin) toxicity (INH)
Avoid alcohol
Discoloration of urine, saliva, sweat, and tears (rifampin)

Question 13

Antiretrovirals

Answer 13

-cyclovir, Zidovudine

-Therapeutic Use
Genital herpes, shingles, HIV

-Precautions
Administer with food
Zidovudine on an empty stomach
Increase fluid intake
Begin therapy with first onset of symptoms

Question 14

Nursing Interventions and Client Education

Answer 14

Assess hx of medication allergies and tx
Monitor for signs of medication reaction
Monitor for signs of secondary infections
Administer medication at appropriate time intervals to maintain therapeutic effects
If C&S is ordered, perform test before initiating therapy
Instruct client to complete entire medication regimen