Introduction
Introduction ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is administering imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin) to a client who has a severe infection. The client asks the nurse why this medication is given in combination. The nurse should respond with which of the following statements?
Choice A is wrong because the combination does not enhance the antimicrobial activity of imipenem, but rather preserves its activity by preventing its breakdown.
Choice B is wrong because the combination does not reduce the risk of allergic reactions to imipenem, but rather increases the risk of side effects such as diarrhea, rash, fever, and seizures.
The combination of imipenem and cilastatin prevents the degradation of imipenem by renal enzymes. Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall. Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the metabolism of imipenem by renal brush-border enzymes, thus increasing imipenem concentrations in urine.
Choice D is wrong because the combination does not lower the dosage requirement of imipenem, but rather allows for higher dosages to be administered depending on the organism sensitivity and the severity of infection.
T
he combination of imipenem and cilastatin prevents the degradation of imipenem by renal enzymes. Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall. Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the metabolism of imipenem by renal brush-border enzymes, thus increasing imipenem concentrations in urine.
Choice A is wrong because the combination does not enhance the antimicrobial activity of imipenem, but rather preserves its activity by preventing its breakdown.
Choice B is wrong because the combination does not reduce the risk of allergic reactions to imipenem, but rather increases the risk of side effects such as diarrhea, rash, fever, and seizures.
Choice D is wrong because the combination does not lower the dosage requirement of imipenem, but rather allows for higher dosages to be administered depending on the organism sensitivity and the severity of infection.