Antimicrobial Spectrum Quiz

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What is the main goal when determining the dosage of medication?

To reduce therapeutic drug levels

To maximize side effects

To induce superinfections

To achieve optimal therapeutic drug levels without causing significant toxicity (correct)

Why is it important to carefully determine the dosage of medication?

To eliminate the need for therapeutic drug levels

To prevent superinfections

To achieve optimum therapeutic drug levels while minimizing side effects (correct)

To increase the risk of side effects

Which factor influences the dose of medication in children but not in adults and children 12 years and older?

Dosage interval

Drug metabolism rate

Age of the patient

Weight of the patient (correct)

What are superinfections that can develop as a result of antimicrobial usage?

Yeast infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when selecting the best dose and dosage interval?

Drug class Signup and view all the answers

Why do potential serious side effects sometimes occur despite efforts to optimize dosing?

As a result of drug class variability in side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a narrow-spectrum antimicrobial when the pathogen causing an infection has been identified?

It minimizes damage to the normal microbiota. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario are broad-spectrum antimicrobials frequently used as empiric therapy?

To cover a wide range of potential pathogens while awaiting pathogen identification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using broad-spectrum antimicrobials for mixed infections with multiple bacterial species?

To cover a wide range of potential pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

How does a superinfection develop when using broad-spectrum antimicrobials?

When another pathogen resistant to the antimicrobial proliferates due to microbiota damage. Signup and view all the answers

Why might broad-spectrum antimicrobials be selected to treat an infection after a narrow-spectrum drug has failed?

To cover a wide range of potential pathogens effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk associated with using broad-spectrum antimicrobials?

Increasing the risk of superinfection by damaging normal microbiota. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do individually the two drugs have on bacterial growth?

Bacteriostatic Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of combining the two drugs in terms of their effect on bacteria?

Synergistic Signup and view all the answers

What do antagonistic drug interactions produce?

Harmful effects Signup and view all the answers

Where can antagonism occur?

Between antimicrobials or antimicrobials and non-antimicrobials Signup and view all the answers

How can the absorption of some anti-bacterials be negatively impacted by antacids?

Increased pH of the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What negative impact can antagonistic drug interactions have on drug activity?

Loss of drug activity Signup and view all the answers

Which patient population may experience increased drug levels that lead to toxicity due to reduced drug metabolism or clearance?

Patients with a history of kidney dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What does the half-life of a drug refer to?

The rate at which 50% of a drug is eliminated from the plasma Signup and view all the answers

For drugs with a short half-life, how often must they typically be administered?

Multiple times a day Signup and view all the answers

Why might a longer half-life be a concern for drugs with serious side effects?

Because drug levels may remain toxic for a longer time Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between dose-dependent drugs and time-dependent drugs?

Dose-dependent drugs require high levels for a long period Signup and view all the answers

Why is the route of administration an important consideration for drug therapy?

It impacts how quickly and effectively the drug reaches the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Why are orally administered drugs generally preferred for patients?

Patients can conveniently take them at home. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would administration of a drug by a parenteral route be preferred?

When the drug is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drugs are available as topical preparations for superficial skin infections?

Antifungals like bacitracin and polymyxin. Signup and view all the answers

Which drug combination provides a synergistic interaction for the treatment of infections?

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of intravenous administration of most drugs?

Rapid and higher plasma levels than oral or intramuscular administration. Signup and view all the answers

When might patients be unable to initially take oral medications?

Due to gastrointestinal absorption issues like vomiting. Signup and view all the answers