Fundamentals of Nursing Q 428

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A patient who develops hives after receiving an antibiotic is exhibiting drug:

  

     A. Tolerance

     B. Idiosyncrasy

     C. Synergism

     D. Allergy

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Allergy

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A drug-allergy is an adverse reaction resulting from an immunologic response following previous sensitizing exposure to the drug. The reaction can range from a rash or hives to anaphylactic shock.

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Option A: Tolerance to a drug means that the patient experiences a decreasing physiologic response to repeated administration of the drug in the same dosage.

Option B: Idiosyncrasy is an individual’s unique hypersensitivity to a drug, food, or other substance; it appears to be genetically determined.

Option C: Synergism, is a drug interaction in which the sum of the drug’s combined effects is greater than that of their separate effects.

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