A Patient Has Been Taking the Corticosteroid Dexamethasone (Decadron) but Has

question 1

Multiple Choice

A patient has been taking the corticosteroid dexamethasone (Decadron) but has developed bacterial conjunctivitis and has a prescription for gentamicin (Garamycin) ointment. The nurse notes that which interaction is possible if the two drugs are used together?

• A) The infection may become systemic.
• B) The gentamicin effects may become more potent.
• C) The corticosteroid may cause overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms.
• D) Immunosuppression may make it more difficult to eliminate the eye infection.

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Definitions:

Evaluative Data

Information gathered to assess the effectiveness of programs, interventions, or services, often used in making improvements or decisions.

Subcutaneously

Referring to the administration of medication or fluids injected just under the skin, into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.

Gastroenteritis

An inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection and causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Numeric Rating Scale

A tool used for assessing the intensity of pain on a scale typically ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst possible pain.