Infection

Question 1

Bacitracin (Topical)

Answer 1

Indication: Prevention of minor skin infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Burning, Redness, Irritation of the skin

Adverse Reactions: Rash, Hives, Difficulty breathing

Nursing Considerations: Assess lesions prior to and periodically throughout therapy

Patient Teachings: Use exactly as directed, Notify HCP if rash, hives or difficulty breathing occurs

Question 2

Ceftriaxone (IV)

Answer 2

Indication: Infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Diarrhea, Rash

Adverse Reactions: C.diff-associated diarrhea, Anaphylaxis, Seizures

Nursing Considerations: Assess for infection before and during therapy, Obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity before therapy

Patient Teachings: Report signs of superinfection and allergic rxn, Notify HCP if diarrhea occurs (contains blood, mucus, pus)

Question 3

Ciprofloxacin (IV)

Answer 3

Indication: Infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Diarrhea, rash

Adverse Reactions: C.diff-associated diarrhea, anaphylaxis, seizures

Nursing Considerations: Assess for infection at beginning and throughout therapy, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity before therapy

Patient Teachings: Report signs of superinfection and allergic rxn, Notify HCP if diarrhea occurs (blood, mucus, pus)

Question 4

Doxycycline (IV)

Answer 4

Indication: Infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Diarrhea, rash

Adverse Reactions: C.diff-associated diarrhea, pancreatitis, hepatoxicity

Nursing Considerations: Assess for infection at beginning and throughout therapy, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity before therapy, monitor bowel function, assess for rash periodically throughout therapy

Patient Teachings: Report signs of superinfection and allergy, Notify HCP if diarrhea occurs (blood, mucus, pus)

Question 5

Piperacillin/ Tazobactam (IV)

Answer 5

Indication: Bacterial infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Diarrhea, rash

Adverse Reactions: C.diff-associated diarrhea, anaphylaxis, seizures

Nursing Considerations: Assess for infection at beginning and throughout therapy, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity before therapy

Patient Teachings: Report signs of superinfection and allergy, Notify HCP if diarrhea occurs (blood, mucus, pus)

Question 6

Vancomycin (IV)

Answer 6

Indication: Bacterial infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: diarrhea, rash

Adverse Reactions: Redman’s Syndrome (alleviate by lowering rate of infusion), Anaphylaxis, nephrotoxicity

Nursing Considerations: Assess for infection recovery, Obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity

Patient Teachings: Report any hypersensitivity reaction, tinnitus, vertigo or hearing loss to HCP