NCLEX-RN Pharmacology Infection
Medications Exam |
20 Antibiotics, Antifungals & Antivirals Practice
Questions with Rationales |
ATI & NGN Style Review Guide
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 24-year-old female is prescribed amoxicillin for acute
streptococcal pharyngitis. During discharge teaching, the nurse
reviews medication administration instructions. The client
reports taking a combined oral contraceptive pill daily.
Question Stem
Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will complete the entire course even if I feel better."
B. "I should notify my provider if I develop a rash."
C. "I can stop the antibiotic once my sore throat resolves."
,D. "I may need a backup method of contraception during
therapy."
Correct Answer
C. "I can stop the antibiotic once my sore throat resolves."
Detailed Rationale
Amoxicillin should be taken for the entire prescribed duration,
even if symptoms improve early. Stopping therapy prematurely
can contribute to incomplete eradication of bacteria,
recurrence of infection, and antimicrobial resistance. Therefore,
option C demonstrates misunderstanding and requires
additional teaching.
Option A is correct patient behavior because completing
therapy helps prevent resistant organisms and treatment
failure. Option B is appropriate because rashes may indicate
allergy or hypersensitivity and should be reported. Option D
reflects safe practice; although evidence regarding antibiotic
effects on oral contraceptive efficacy varies, many providers
recommend backup contraception during antibiotic treatment
to reduce pregnancy risk.
From a nursing perspective, medication adherence is a major
component of antibiotic stewardship. Nurses should emphasize
timing of doses, completion of therapy, recognition of allergic
reactions, and avoiding sharing leftover antibiotics. Clinical
,judgment includes identifying statements that increase the risk
for treatment failure and adverse outcomes.
Learning Objective
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Explain the importance of completing antibiotic therapy.
• Identify teaching points for clients receiving amoxicillin.
• Recognize behaviors that contribute to antimicrobial
resistance.
• Promote safe medication adherence.
Medication Safety Focus
Patient education
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A 72-year-old male is receiving gentamicin IV for gram-negative
sepsis. Medical history includes chronic kidney disease stage 3.
Morning laboratory results show serum creatinine increased
from 1.1 mg/dL to 2.0 mg/dL.
Question Stem
Which assessment finding is most concerning and should be
reported immediately?
, A. Mild nausea
B. Tinnitus and difficulty hearing
C. Fatigue
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer
B. Tinnitus and difficulty hearing
Detailed Rationale
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside associated with significant
nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Tinnitus and hearing changes
may indicate vestibular or auditory nerve damage, which can
become irreversible if therapy continues. This finding requires
immediate notification of the provider and evaluation of serum
drug levels.
Option A is a common nonspecific symptom that may occur
with many medications. Option C may be related to illness or
hospitalization and is not the priority. Option D is also
nonspecific and less urgent than signs of ototoxicity.
Nurses caring for clients receiving aminoglycosides should
monitor peak and trough levels, renal function tests, intake and
output, and hearing status. Older adults and patients with renal
impairment are at greater risk because the drug is primarily
Medications Exam |
20 Antibiotics, Antifungals & Antivirals Practice
Questions with Rationales |
ATI & NGN Style Review Guide
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 24-year-old female is prescribed amoxicillin for acute
streptococcal pharyngitis. During discharge teaching, the nurse
reviews medication administration instructions. The client
reports taking a combined oral contraceptive pill daily.
Question Stem
Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will complete the entire course even if I feel better."
B. "I should notify my provider if I develop a rash."
C. "I can stop the antibiotic once my sore throat resolves."
,D. "I may need a backup method of contraception during
therapy."
Correct Answer
C. "I can stop the antibiotic once my sore throat resolves."
Detailed Rationale
Amoxicillin should be taken for the entire prescribed duration,
even if symptoms improve early. Stopping therapy prematurely
can contribute to incomplete eradication of bacteria,
recurrence of infection, and antimicrobial resistance. Therefore,
option C demonstrates misunderstanding and requires
additional teaching.
Option A is correct patient behavior because completing
therapy helps prevent resistant organisms and treatment
failure. Option B is appropriate because rashes may indicate
allergy or hypersensitivity and should be reported. Option D
reflects safe practice; although evidence regarding antibiotic
effects on oral contraceptive efficacy varies, many providers
recommend backup contraception during antibiotic treatment
to reduce pregnancy risk.
From a nursing perspective, medication adherence is a major
component of antibiotic stewardship. Nurses should emphasize
timing of doses, completion of therapy, recognition of allergic
reactions, and avoiding sharing leftover antibiotics. Clinical
,judgment includes identifying statements that increase the risk
for treatment failure and adverse outcomes.
Learning Objective
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Explain the importance of completing antibiotic therapy.
• Identify teaching points for clients receiving amoxicillin.
• Recognize behaviors that contribute to antimicrobial
resistance.
• Promote safe medication adherence.
Medication Safety Focus
Patient education
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A 72-year-old male is receiving gentamicin IV for gram-negative
sepsis. Medical history includes chronic kidney disease stage 3.
Morning laboratory results show serum creatinine increased
from 1.1 mg/dL to 2.0 mg/dL.
Question Stem
Which assessment finding is most concerning and should be
reported immediately?
, A. Mild nausea
B. Tinnitus and difficulty hearing
C. Fatigue
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer
B. Tinnitus and difficulty hearing
Detailed Rationale
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside associated with significant
nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Tinnitus and hearing changes
may indicate vestibular or auditory nerve damage, which can
become irreversible if therapy continues. This finding requires
immediate notification of the provider and evaluation of serum
drug levels.
Option A is a common nonspecific symptom that may occur
with many medications. Option C may be related to illness or
hospitalization and is not the priority. Option D is also
nonspecific and less urgent than signs of ototoxicity.
Nurses caring for clients receiving aminoglycosides should
monitor peak and trough levels, renal function tests, intake and
output, and hearing status. Older adults and patients with renal
impairment are at greater risk because the drug is primarily
