Penicillin and Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors Action

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of penicillin?

Inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria
Inhibiting DNA replication in bacteria
Destroying the bacterial cell wall (correct)
Inhibiting RNA transcription in bacteria

What is the role of beta-lactamase inhibitors in combination with penicillins?

Inhibit the action of penicillin
Stimulate bacterial growth
Destroy beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria (correct)
Increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics

Which of the following medications is a combination of penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor?

Ticarcillin
Ampicillin
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin) (correct)

What is a potential side effect or complication associated with penicillin antibiotics?

<p>Super-infections like C-diff and fungal infections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to report persistent watery diarrhea to healthcare providers when taking penicillin antibiotics?

<p>To assess for Clostridium difficile infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Penicillin Mechanism

Disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death.

Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

They block beta-lactamase, protecting penicillin from bacterial degradation.

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid

A common medication that combines amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.

Penicillin Superinfections

Overgrowth of resistant organisms like C. difficile or fungi due to disrupted normal flora.

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Diarrhea with Penicillin

Persistent diarrhea may indicate a Clostridium difficile infection, requiring prompt treatment.

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Study Notes

Penicillin Action

Destroys bacterial cell wall by inhibiting production
Effective against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria

Beta-Lactamase

Enzyme produced by bacteria to inactivate or fight off antibiotics

Medications

Examples of penicillin medications: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Penicillin, Penicillin V
Penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors: Ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn), Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin), Ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (Timentin), and Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn)

Side Effects and Complications

Gastrointestinal effects: sore mouth, furry tongue
Super-infections: C-diff, Pseudomembranous colitis (diarrhea), fungal infections (candidiasis)
Hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis
Caution: liver failure, oral contraceptives

Nursing Interventions

Report allergic reactions: rash, itchy throat, hives
Report persistent watery diarrhea for Cloristidium difficile assessment
Store oral liquids in refrigerated conditions
Be aware of allergy to cephalosporins

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Description

Test your knowledge on how penicillin destroys bacterial cell walls by inhibiting their production, the role of beta-lactamase enzymes, and the use of beta-lactamase inhibitors to combat antibiotic resistance. Explore medications like Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Penicillin V.