Question

A client at 34 weeks' gestation visits the clinic complaining of flu-like symptoms and a bull's eye-like rash. She reports that she went camping last weekend and may have gotten a tick bite. The client is diagnosed with Lyme disease. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the physician to order?

Option 1: Azithromycin
Option 2: Ciprofloxacin
Option 3: Doxycycline
Option 4: Amoxicillin

Answer 1

For a pregnant client at 34 weeks' gestation diagnosed with Lyme disease, the physician is expected to prescribe Amoxicillin, which is safe and effective during pregnancy, unlike doxycycline which is typically avoided due to potential fetal risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pregnant client at 34 weeks' gestation who presents with flu-like symptoms and a bull's eye-like rash, which are indicative of Lyme disease, requires a safe and effective treatment. Given that she is pregnant and doxycycline is typically avoided due to potential risks to the fetus, the physician is likely to prescribe an alternative antibiotic that is considered safe during pregnancy. Amoxicillin is often the recommended choice for treating Lyme disease in pregnant women, as it is effective against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and poses less risk to the developing fetus. Thus, the nurse should expect the physician to order Option 4: Amoxicillin for the treatment of Lyme disease in this pregnant client.