A nurse is advised to administer inj. Metronidazole to a patient. She knows action of this is:

AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

Metronidazole is classified as a nitroimidazole antimicrobial, which functions as both an antibiotic and an antiprotozoal agent.
It is highly effective against anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Clostridioides) and protozoa (e.g., Trichomonas, Giardia).
Its mechanism involves disrupting the DNA synthesis of susceptible microorganisms, which ultimately leads to cell death.
This makes 'Antibiotic' the correct description of its primary action in a clinical setting for treating bacterial infections.

Option A: An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain. Metronidazole does not have pain-relieving properties.
Option B: An antipyretic is a drug that reduces fever. While an infection treated by Metronidazole may cause a fever, the drug itself does not directly act to lower the fever; the fever resolves as the infection is cleared.
Option D: A sedative is a drug that induces calmness or sleep. Metronidazole has no sedative effects; in fact, some of its side effects can include dizziness or headache, but not sedation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Pharmacological classification and action of Metronidazole to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
A key nursing responsibility when administering Metronidazole is patient education, particularly advising patients to avoid alcohol completely during therapy and for at least 36-48 hours after the last dose to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction (severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache).
Nurses should monitor for common side effects like metallic taste, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset, as well as more severe but rare effects like peripheral neuropathy or seizures, especially with long-term use.
What if? If a patient on Metronidazole reports numbness and tingling in their hands and feet, the nurse must recognize this as a potential sign of peripheral neuropathy, a serious adverse effect. The nurse should withhold the next dose and notify the prescriber immediately for further assessment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to classify the drug Metronidazole based on its action.
Recall or look up the pharmacological class of Metronidazole. You might remember it's used for specific types of infections.
Evaluate each option: 'Analgesic' means pain relief, 'Antipyretic' means fever reduction, 'Antibiotic' means it fights bacterial infections, and 'Sedative' means it causes sleepiness.
Connect the known use of Metronidazole (treating infections) with the provided options.
Eliminate the options that do not match its primary function. Metronidazole is not used for pain, fever, or sedation.
Conclude that its action against bacteria makes it an antibiotic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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