Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has streptococcal pharyngitis and an allergy to penicillin. the nurse should recognize that which of the following medications can be safely administered to this client?

• nafcillin
• azithromycin
• cephalexin
• amoxicillin/clavulanic acid

Explanation:

Streptococcal pharyngitis requires antibiotic treatment. Nafcillin, cephalexin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are all penicillin-class or closely related beta-lactam antibiotics, which carry a high risk of cross-reactivity in clients with penicillin allergies. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, which is structurally unrelated to penicillins and is a safe alternative for penicillin-allergic clients with this condition.

Answer:

B. Azithromycin