NCLEX-RN Pharmacology Infection Practice
Exam |
20 ATI & Next Gen NCLEX-Style Questions with
Detailed Rationales |
Antibiotics, Antifungals & Antivirals
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 67-year-old man is admitted with fever, productive cough, and
shortness of breath. His chest x-ray confirms community-
acquired pneumonia. He has a history of chronic kidney disease
(stage 3), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
provider prescribes gentamicin IV. Current assessment findings
include:
• Temperature: 38.9°C (102°F)
• Heart rate: 104/min
• Blood pressure: 138/82 mm Hg
• Respiratory rate: 24/min
, • Oxygen saturation: 93% on 2 L/min nasal cannula
Laboratory results:
• Serum creatinine: 2.0 mg/dL
• BUN: 38 mg/dL
• WBC: 15,800/mm³
Question Stem
Which nursing action is the highest priority before
administering the first dose of gentamicin?
A. Administer the medication immediately because timely
antibiotics improve outcomes.
B. Verify baseline renal function and ensure the prescribed dose
is appropriate.
C. Encourage the client to increase dietary potassium intake.
D. Administer the medication with food to reduce
gastrointestinal upset.
Correct Answer
B. Verify baseline renal function and ensure the prescribed
dose is appropriate.
Detailed Rationale
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that inhibits
bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against many serious
Exam |
20 ATI & Next Gen NCLEX-Style Questions with
Detailed Rationales |
Antibiotics, Antifungals & Antivirals
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 67-year-old man is admitted with fever, productive cough, and
shortness of breath. His chest x-ray confirms community-
acquired pneumonia. He has a history of chronic kidney disease
(stage 3), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
provider prescribes gentamicin IV. Current assessment findings
include:
• Temperature: 38.9°C (102°F)
• Heart rate: 104/min
• Blood pressure: 138/82 mm Hg
• Respiratory rate: 24/min
, • Oxygen saturation: 93% on 2 L/min nasal cannula
Laboratory results:
• Serum creatinine: 2.0 mg/dL
• BUN: 38 mg/dL
• WBC: 15,800/mm³
Question Stem
Which nursing action is the highest priority before
administering the first dose of gentamicin?
A. Administer the medication immediately because timely
antibiotics improve outcomes.
B. Verify baseline renal function and ensure the prescribed dose
is appropriate.
C. Encourage the client to increase dietary potassium intake.
D. Administer the medication with food to reduce
gastrointestinal upset.
Correct Answer
B. Verify baseline renal function and ensure the prescribed
dose is appropriate.
Detailed Rationale
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that inhibits
bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against many serious
