Question

A health care provider prescribes cefadroxil (Duricef) for a client with a postoperative infection. It is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to consider that a cross allergy is possible with what drug allergy?

Answer 1

Cross allergy between cefadroxil (Duricef) and penicillin is a significant concern due to their structural similarity, making it critical to assess a patient's allergy history prior to prescribing to avoid allergic reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a healthcare provider prescribes cefadroxil (Duricef) for a client with a postoperative infection, it is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to consider that a cross allergy is possible with a penicillin allergy. Cefadroxil belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins, which have a structure similar to that of penicillins.

Because of this similarity, patients who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins, and thus, caution should be exercised when prescribing. It is critical to assess the patient's allergy history before administering cefadroxil to prevent a potential allergic reaction.