Chapter 39, Problem 1CTPQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

A patient taking metronidazole as intravenous doses has been discharged and the patient should continue the therapy with oral doses of metronidazole. The patient mentioned that he is glad to go home and excited about the annual office party and he has been looking forward to attend the party, which will be happening the next day (night). In this case, what should be the nurse’s priority while educating the patient about metronidazole?

Concept introduction:

Drugs that are used in the treatment of microbial infections are commonly referred to as antimicrobial agents. Metronidazole, belongs to the drug class nitroimidazole, is an antimicrobial agent active against anaerobic organisms. It is used in the treatment of gynecologic and intra-abdominal infections. Protozoal infections such as trichomoniasis and amebiasis can also treated using metronidazole. Similar to quinolones, metronidazole also obstructs the synthesis of microbial DNA.