NURS 3550: Gentamycin Exam Questions With Complete
Solutions
A nurse is explaining to nursing students why a cephalosporin is
used in conjunction with an aminoglycoside for a patient with an
infection. Which statement by a student indicates understanding
of the teaching?
a.
"Cephalosporins enhance the actions of aminoglycosides by
weakening bacterial cell walls."
b.
"Cephalosporins prevent neuromuscular blockade associated
with aminoglycosides."
c.
"Cephalosporins prolong the postantibiotic effects of the
aminoglycosides so doses can be decreased."
d.
"Cephalosporins reduce bacterial resistance to
aminoglycosides." Correct Answer ANS: A
Cephalosporins, penicillins, and vancomycin can be used in
conjunction with aminoglycosides; these drugs weaken the
bacterial cell wall and enhance the bactericidal actions of
aminoglycosides. Cephalosporins do not prevent neuromuscular
blockade. They do not prolong the postantibiotic effects of
aminoglycosides. They do not affect bacterial resistance.
A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of gentamicin to a
patient who is receiving the drug 3 times daily. The nurse will
monitor ____ levels.
a.
peak
, b.
peak and trough
c.
serum drug
d.
trough Correct Answer ANS: B
When divided doses of aminoglycosides are given, it is
important to measure both peak and trough levels of the drug,
because it is more difficult to achieve therapeutic peaks in lower
doses without causing toxicity. Trough levels are drawn when
single-dosing regimens are used, because high peak levels are
guaranteed.
A nurse is reviewing the culture results of a patient receiving an
aminoglycoside. The report reveals an anaerobic organism as the
cause of infection. What will the nurse do?
a.
Contact the provider to discuss an increased risk of
aminoglycoside toxicity.
b.
Continue giving the aminoglycoside as ordered.
c.
Request an order for a different class of antibiotic.
d.
Suggest adding a penicillin to the patient's drug regimen.
Correct Answer ANS: C
Aminoglycosides are not effective against anaerobic microbes,
so another class of antibiotics is indicated. There is no
associated increase in aminoglycoside toxicity with anaerobic
infection. The aminoglycoside will not be effective, so
continuing to administer this drug is not indicated. Adding
Solutions
A nurse is explaining to nursing students why a cephalosporin is
used in conjunction with an aminoglycoside for a patient with an
infection. Which statement by a student indicates understanding
of the teaching?
a.
"Cephalosporins enhance the actions of aminoglycosides by
weakening bacterial cell walls."
b.
"Cephalosporins prevent neuromuscular blockade associated
with aminoglycosides."
c.
"Cephalosporins prolong the postantibiotic effects of the
aminoglycosides so doses can be decreased."
d.
"Cephalosporins reduce bacterial resistance to
aminoglycosides." Correct Answer ANS: A
Cephalosporins, penicillins, and vancomycin can be used in
conjunction with aminoglycosides; these drugs weaken the
bacterial cell wall and enhance the bactericidal actions of
aminoglycosides. Cephalosporins do not prevent neuromuscular
blockade. They do not prolong the postantibiotic effects of
aminoglycosides. They do not affect bacterial resistance.
A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of gentamicin to a
patient who is receiving the drug 3 times daily. The nurse will
monitor ____ levels.
a.
peak
, b.
peak and trough
c.
serum drug
d.
trough Correct Answer ANS: B
When divided doses of aminoglycosides are given, it is
important to measure both peak and trough levels of the drug,
because it is more difficult to achieve therapeutic peaks in lower
doses without causing toxicity. Trough levels are drawn when
single-dosing regimens are used, because high peak levels are
guaranteed.
A nurse is reviewing the culture results of a patient receiving an
aminoglycoside. The report reveals an anaerobic organism as the
cause of infection. What will the nurse do?
a.
Contact the provider to discuss an increased risk of
aminoglycoside toxicity.
b.
Continue giving the aminoglycoside as ordered.
c.
Request an order for a different class of antibiotic.
d.
Suggest adding a penicillin to the patient's drug regimen.
Correct Answer ANS: C
Aminoglycosides are not effective against anaerobic microbes,
so another class of antibiotics is indicated. There is no
associated increase in aminoglycoside toxicity with anaerobic
infection. The aminoglycoside will not be effective, so
continuing to administer this drug is not indicated. Adding
