The antiviral drug used to treat influenza is

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor, a class of antiviral drugs specifically developed to treat infections caused by influenza A and B viruses.
Its mechanism of action involves blocking the viral neuraminidase enzyme, which is essential for the release of newly formed virions from infected cells.
By preventing viral release, Oseltamivir halts the spread of the infection within the respiratory tract, reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.
It is most effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of influenza symptoms.

Option A: Acyclovir is an antiherpetic agent that inhibits viral DNA polymerase. It has no activity against the influenza virus.
Option C: Imunovir (Inosine pranobex) is an immunomodulatory agent with some antiviral properties, but it is not a specific or standard first-line treatment for influenza.
Option D: Zidovudine (AZT) is an antiretroviral medication used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and is ineffective against influenza.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology of antiviral agents helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing intervention is patient education on the importance of starting Oseltamivir within 48 hours of symptom onset for maximum effectiveness.
Nurses should monitor for common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting and advise patients to take the medication with food to minimize these effects.
It is crucial to differentiate between influenza and other viral illnesses, as antiviral medications are specific to the type of virus.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core disease specified in the question, which is 'influenza'.
Next, review the list of options, recognizing they are all antiviral or related medications.
Systematically recall the primary clinical indication for each drug. For example, associate Acyclovir with herpes, Zidovudine with HIV, and Oseltamivir with influenza.
Eliminate the distractors based on their known primary uses, which do not include treating influenza.
Confirm the choice by matching the drug (Oseltamivir) with the disease (influenza).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 12-14

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1578-1580

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1957-1959

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.