A nurse is caring for a client who has a sulfa allergy. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?
A.
Celecoxib
B.
Atorvastatin
C.
Prednisone
D.
Digoxin
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The nurse should clarify the prescription for Celecoxib.
Explanation:
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor and structurally related to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs). Since Celecoxib contains a sulfonamide group, individuals with a known sulfa allergy could potentially experience an allergic reaction. While the risk of cross-reactivity is relatively low, the possibility exists, and thus, it is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing Celecoxib to clients with sulfa allergies.
Sulfa allergies generally arise from an immune response to sulfonamide antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole). Symptoms of a sulfa allergy may range from mild reactions like rash and itching to more severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or anaphylaxis. Given the potentially life-threatening nature of these reactions, it is crucial to avoid medications containing sulfonamide structures in individuals with a known sulfa allergy.
The other medications listed (atorvastatin, prednisone, and digoxin) do not contain sulfonamide groups and are not typically associated with cross-reactivity in clients with sulfa allergies:
- Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol and does not have a structural relationship to sulfonamides.
- Prednisone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties and is unrelated to sulfa drugs.
- Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart conditions and also has no structural relation to sulfonamides.
In conclusion, the nurse should clarify the prescription for Celecoxib due to its sulfonamide component, while the other medications do not pose a risk for a client with a sulfa allergy.