Exam Questions | Nursing Review
Q1. A patient is prescribed penicillin V for strep throat.
Which statement indicates need for further teaching?
A) "I should take this medication with food to avoid an
upset stomach."
B) "I will finish all the medication even if I feel better."
C) "I will report any hives or difficulty breathing."
D) "I can take this medication with orange juice."
Correct Answer: D) "I can take this medication with
orange juice."
Rationale: Penicillins are acid-labile; acidic beverages like
orange juice can decrease absorption. Taking with water
is best .
Q2. A patient with a penicillin allergy requires an
antibiotic for a gram-negative infection. Which drug is
most likely to cause cross-sensitivity?
,A) Vancomycin
B) Cephalexin
C) Azithromycin
D) Doxycycline
Correct Answer: B) Cephalexin
Rationale: Cross-allergy between penicillins and
cephalosporins occurs in about 5-10% of patients due to
similar beta-lactam ring structure. Patients with a history
of anaphylaxis to penicillin should avoid cephalosporins .
Q3. A patient is ordered piperacillin-tazobactam. The
tazobactam component serves which purpose?
A) Extends the half-life of piperacillin
B) Inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes
C) Reduces renal excretion
D) Prevents red man syndrome
Correct Answer: B) Inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes
, Rationale: Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that
protects piperacillin from degradation by bacterial
enzymes .
Q4. A patient receives cefazolin preoperatively. How long
before incision should it be infused?
A) 30-60 minutes
B) 2 hours
C) Immediately before incision
D) The night before surgery
Correct Answer: A) 30-60 minutes
Rationale: Cephalosporins require infusion 30-60
minutes pre-incision for adequate tissue concentration .
Q5. Which lab value should be monitored closely in a
patient receiving high-dose penicillin G?
A) Serum calcium
B) Serum potassium