Lilly Pharm Ch 45: Antiviral Drugs Flashcards
A patient diagnosed with shingles is prescribed topical acyclovir. What is important adverse effects should the nurse warn this patient about?
a. Insomnia and nervousness.
b. Temporary swelling and rash
c. burning of the skin.
d. no adverse effects.
c. burning of the skin.
Why Does Topical Acyclovir Cause Skin Burning?
Topical acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections, including shingles (herpes zoster). It works by inhibiting viral replication and reducing symptoms, but it can cause some local skin irritation.
Why Does It Burn?
1. Irritation of Nerve Endings
• Acyclovir is applied directly to inflamed and damaged skin caused by shingles.
• The damaged nerves are already hypersensitive, and applying the medication may trigger a burning or stinging sensation.
2. Inflammatory Response
• The immune system is already reacting to the shingles virus.
• Acyclovir, while treating the infection, can further irritate the area, causing temporary burning.
3. Vehicle Ingredients
• The cream or ointment formulation may contain preservatives or alcohol-based ingredients that can sting when applied to broken or sensitive skin.
4. Mild Allergic Reaction
• Some people may have a minor allergic response to acyclovir, causing redness, itching, or burning.
Is It Normal?
• Yes, mild burning is common and usually temporary.
• However, if the burning is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or rash, the patient should stop using it and inform their healthcare provider.
Key Nursing Considerations
• Educate the patient that mild burning is a common side effect.
• Avoid applying it to open wounds or severely damaged skin.
• Wash hands before and after application to prevent spreading the virus.
• If severe irritation occurs
A patient who has had a bone marrow transplant has contracted cytomegalovirus retinitis. Which drug is preferable for this patient?
a. acyclovir
b. foscarnet
c. ganciclovir
d. amantadine
b. foscarnet
Which is a true statement about amantadine therapy?
a. it causes less central nervous system toxicity than rimantadine.
b. it is commonly used to treat influenza A and B.
c. it should not be given to women who are breastfeeding.
d. it has a longer half-life than rimantadine.
c. It should not be given to women who are breastfeeding.
Amantadine is contraindicated in lactating women, in patients with hypersensitivity to it, in children younger than 12 months, and in patients with eczematous rash. Amantadine is active only against influenza A viruses. Compared to amantadine, rimantadine has a longer half-life, may be dosed less frequently, and causes less CNS toxicity.
A patient with acquired immune diciency syndrome (AIDS) has been taking zidovudine (AZT) therapy for almost 1 year. The physician has decided to change the medication to didanosine. The patient is very concerned about this medication change. What is the nurse’s best explanation to the patient?
a. Didanosine has fewer toxic effects than zidovudine.
b.Didanosine has been shown to improve survival rates.
c. Taking zidovudine with didanosine might have led to serious toxicity,
d. The patient may have been experiencing bone marrow suppression due to the zidovudine therapy.
d. The patient may have been experiencing bone marrow suppression due to the zidovudine therapy.
The nurse is administering acyclovir. Which statement is true?
a. Intravenous infusions should be administered slowly, over 1 hour.
b. IV infusions should be administered by rapid IV bolus.
c. IV acyclovir is compatible with many other IV solutions.
d. Oral fluids should be restricted while the client is taking IV acyclovir.
a. Intravenous infusions should be administered slowly, over 1 hour.
Which is a therapeutic effect of antiviral drugs?
a. Elimination of the virus.
b. Eradication of herpetic lesions.
c. Delayed progression of HIV infection.
d. Prevention of future infections with the same virus.
c. Delayed progression of HIV infection.
A patient who is taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs as treatment of early stages of HIV infection asks the nurse whether the drugs will kill the virus. Which statement is the nurse’s best response to this patient?
a. Antiretroviral drugs are rarely beneficial and are given for palliative reasons only.
b. Antiretroviral drugs will be effective as long as the patient is not exposed to the virus again.
c. Antiretroviral drugs can be given in large enough doses to eradicate the virus without harming the body’s healthy cells.
d. antiretroviral drugs are effective only while the virus is replicating, and replication is often finished by the time symptoms appear.
d. antiretroviral drugs are effective only while the virus is replicating, and replication is often finished by the time symptoms appear.
A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for “the flu drug.” He says he has had “the flu” for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms. Which statement about oseltamivir (tamiflu) and zanamivir (relenza) is true?
a. These drugs do not stop the spread of influenza.
b. These drugs have few adverse effects.
c. As long as this patient starts treatment within the next 24 hours, the drug should be effective.
d. Treatment with these drugs should begin within 2 days of the onset of influenza symptoms.
d. Treatment with these drugs should begin within 2 days of the onset of influenza symptoms.
Which drug belongs to the newer class of antiviral drugs called fusion inhibitors?
a. enfuvirtide
b. tenofovir
c. nevirapine
d. indinavir
a. enfuvirtide
A patient with late stage AIDS has developed Kaposi’s sarcoma. What type of infection is Kaposi’s sarcoma?
a. A drug resistant infection
b. An opportunistic infection
c. A co-infection
d. A superinfection
b. An opportunistic infection
It is an HIV associated neoplasm.
What is a common adverse effect of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
a. Diarrhea
b. Sinusitis
c. Nausea
d. Constipation
c. nausea
The most common adverse effects associated with tamiflu is nausea and vomiting.
