Amoxicillin and Cephalexin Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for amoxicillin?

Inhibit protein synthesis

Weaken and destroy cell walls (correct)

Disrupt metabolic pathways

Inhibit nucleic acid synthesis

Which of the following is a common adverse reaction to amoxicillin?

Excessive sleepiness

Weight loss

Hives or difficulty breathing (correct)

Increased appetite

Why should amoxicillin be administered with food?

For better absorption (correct)

To reduce the risk of superinfection

To avoid allergic reactions

To enhance its antibacterial properties

Which condition may occur as a result of antibiotic use, including amoxicillin?

Candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

What effect does penicillin have on oral contraceptives?

Causes them to be less effective Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do if they experience vaginal itching after taking amoxicillin?

Notify their healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for taking amoxicillin?

Severe renal impairment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following infections is amoxicillin effective in treating?

Urinary tract infections Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored for a patient taking a beta-lactam antibiotic?

Gastrointestinal symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common adverse reaction to aztreonam?

Thrombophlebitis at IV site Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions represents a contraindication for taking a beta-lactam antibiotic?

Allergy to PCN Signup and view all the answers

What should clients be instructed to avoid while taking beta-lactam antibiotics?

Alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary therapeutic use of aztreonam?

Treatment of lower respiratory tract infections Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should a healthcare provider be notified immediately while a patient is on beta-lactam antibiotics?

Having difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is NOT recommended for a patient receiving aztreonam?

Monitoring bacterial growth Signup and view all the answers

What should patients taking beta-lactam antibiotics report promptly to their healthcare provider?

Water diarrhea or candida in the mouth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amoxicillin

Broad-spectrum antibiotic
Weakens and destroys bacterial cell walls
Beta-lactam antibiotic
Treats ear, throat infections, UTIs
Adding clavulanic acid increases the spectrum of the antibiotic

Amoxicillin Adverse Reactions

Allergy (hives, anaphylaxis)
GI distress (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
Superinfection (Candida, C. diff)

Amoxicillin Interventions

Monitor GI symptoms
Administer with food
Report watery diarrhea
Report oral thrush (Candida)
Monitor for hives or difficulty breathing

Amoxicillin Client Instructions

Take at the start of a meal for best absorption
Notify provider for vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
If having difficulty breathing, call 911

Amoxicillin Contraindications/Precautions

Allergy to penicillin, procaine, or benzathine
Caution with severe renal impairment
Penicillin reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives

Cephalexin

Broad-spectrum antibiotic
Weakens and destroys bacterial cell walls
Beta-lactam antibiotic
Treats ear, throat infections, and UTIs
Similar uses and effects to penicillin

Cephalexin Adverse Reactions

Allergy
GI distress
Superinfection
Cross-sensitivity with penicillin allergy

Cephalexin Interventions

Assess for penicillin allergy
Monitor GI symptoms
Administer with food
Report watery diarrhea
Report Candida of the mouth
Monitor for hives and difficulty breathing

Cephalexin Client Instructions

Do not take with alcohol
Notify provider for vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
If having difficulty breathing, call 911.

Cephalexin Contraindications/Precautions

Allergy to penicillin
Milk protein allergy
Caution with renal failure or GI disease

Aztreonam

Narrow-spectrum antibiotic
Effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria
Treats lower respiratory tract infections, UTIs, abdominal infections

Aztreonam Adverse Reactions

Thrombophlebitis at IV site
GI distress
Superinfections
Rash
Inhalation: Airway wheezing, pain

Aztreonam Interventions

Monitor IV site for pain, redness, swelling
Monitor respiratory status
Monitor bowel function
Monitor for hives or difficulty breathing

Aztreonam Client Instructions

IM: Given in large muscle
IV: Given slowly, Report pain in the IV
Inhaled: Use nebulizer TID

Aztreonam Contraindications/Precautions

Caution with allergy to penicillin or cephalosporins
Caution with decreased renal function
No safety data for pregnancy or lactation

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of Amoxicillin and Cephalexin, including their classification as broad-spectrum antibiotics, mechanisms of action, and potential adverse reactions. It also discusses client instructions, contraindications, and necessary monitoring during treatment. Test your knowledge on these important medications.