Questions and Answers
How does penicillin work to destroy bacteria?
It interferes with cell wall synthesis
A patient has been started on a medication regimen that includes Bactrim. The nurse notes that the source of the patient's infection has been determined to be viral in origin. What is the nurse's highest priority action?
What are the microbial mechanisms of drug resistance?
-Alteration of drug target molecules -Reduction of drug concentration at its site of action -A gene that codes for a powerful form of beta-lactamase
What are the two major methods used to classify antimicrobial drugs?
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How does the nurse identify an infection acquired while in the hospital?
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Which organisms are among the most drug resistant?
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What are examples of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs?
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When can bacterial resistance to antibiotics occur?
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Study Notes
Mechanisms of Antibiotics
- Penicillin functions by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death.
Prioritizing Patient Care
- If a patient's infection is identified as viral but is on a regimen that includes Bactrim (an antibiotic), the nurse should prioritize contacting a healthcare provider to reassess the medication plan.
Drug Resistance Mechanisms
- Microbial resistance mechanisms include:
- Alteration of drug target molecules, preventing the drug from binding effectively.
- Reduction of drug concentration at its target site, diminishing the drug's efficacy.
- Presence of a gene coding for a potent form of beta-lactamase, which can inactivate certain antibiotics.
Classification of Antimicrobial Agents
- Antimicrobial drugs are classified based on two major criteria:
- The susceptible organism they target.
- Their mechanism of action against microbes.
Hospital-Acquired Infections
- Infections contracted in a healthcare setting are termed healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Drug-Resistant Organisms
- Common organisms known for high drug resistance include:
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium)
- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
- Broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs capable of targeting a wide range of bacteria include:
- Tetracycline
- Sulfonamides
- Fluoroquinolones
Antibiotic Resistance Factors
- Bacterial resistance can develop when:
- Antibiotics are wrongly prescribed for viral infections, leading to ineffective treatment and selective pressure.
- Patients discontinue antibiotic use prematurely after feeling better, allowing surviving bacteria to adapt and resistant strains to emerge.
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Description
Test your knowledge with Lehne's Chapter 84 flashcards on pharmacology. Focus on key concepts such as the action of penicillin and priority nursing actions for viral infections. Perfect for nursing students preparing for exams.
