Reference no: EM133592086

Question: Valerie Smith is an 80-year-old woman at Shady Oak Nursing Home. She has cognitive issues from a stroke she had 2 years ago. Valerie has a history of frequent urinary tract infections (UTI). Over the last year she has been admitted to the hospital twice for UTI and has had multiple courses of antibiotics. During her last course of antibiotics, Valerie developed a Clostridium difficile infection.

Johnny, Valerie's son, frequently visits his mom at Shady Oak, and is actively engaged in his mother's care. One morning during his visit, Johnny notices his mother is sleepier than normal and that her urine smells bad. Johnny thinks his mother might have another UTI and wants her started on antibiotics right away.

1. Describe at least 3 steps any physician should take prior to initiating antibiotic therapy.

2. Identify at least 2 side effects or adverse reactions the nurse should monitor the patient for during antibiotic therapy.

3. Describe at least 2 ways the nurse can gauge the effectiveness of the antibiotic therapy.