Pharmacology Chapter on Antibiotics
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Questions and Answers

What should be avoided in a patient with a history of anaphylaxis?

  • Both penicillin and cephalosporin (correct)
  • Tetracycline
  • Cephalosporin
  • Penicillin
  • Which generation of cephalosporins is more resistant to beta-lactamases?

  • 1st generation
  • 2nd generation
  • 3rd generation (correct)
  • 4th generation (correct)
  • What pharmacokinetic property of cephalosporins requires careful monitoring?

  • Elimination by the kidneys (correct)
  • Interaction with calcium
  • Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution in body fluids
  • Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with cephalosporins?

    <p>Severe hypotension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of action of cephalosporins?

    <p>Disrupting cell wall synthesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major adverse effect of metronidazole?

    <p>Ototoxicity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition does NOT require specific attention in preventing MRSA transmission?

    <p>Using antibiotics indiscriminately (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes carbapenems among beta-lactam antibiotics?

    <p>Ineffective against MRSA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of bacteria is resistant to methicillin?

    <p>Staphylococcus epidermidis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to bacterial resistance to penicillins?

    <p>Increased penicillin absorption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can result from cephalosporin allergy?

    <p>Rash (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the action of penicillin G benzylpenicillin?

    <p>Bactericidal to both gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of rapid infusion of vancomycin?

    <p>Red-man syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which penicillin is known as an extended-spectrum penicillin?

    <p>Piperacillin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended action to minimize adverse effects of penicillin?

    <p>Monitor for penicillin allergy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a narrow-spectrum penicillin?

    <p>Nafcillin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary prevention method for preventing the transmission of Clostridium difficile?

    <p>Washing hands with soap and water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug is commonly used for the treatment of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

    <p>Vancomycin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key nursing responsibility during the treatment of infectious diseases with antibiotics?

    <p>Educate patients about completing their antibiotic courses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to manage patients infected with resistant organisms like MRSA?

    <p>Use contact precautions like gloves and gowns (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of drugs inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and are commonly used to treat severe acne?

    <p>Tetracyclines (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect of antibiotic stewardship?

    <p>Educate about proper antibiotic use to minimize resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a recommended infection prevention measure for healthcare workers?

    <p>Skipping environmental cleaning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism of action for tetracyclines?

    <p>Bacteriostatic action that inhibits protein synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration when administering penicillins, cephalosporins, or vancomycin alongside other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs?

    <p>They can intensify neuromuscular blockade. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary use for Nitrofurantoin?

    <p>Acute infections of the lower urinary tract. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effect is associated with Nitrofurantoin affecting the nervous system?

    <p>Damage to sensory and motor nerves. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be monitored when administering drugs that require peak and trough serum level management?

    <p>Differences in serum levels among patients. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drugs inhibit the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid?

    <p>Sulfonamides and trimethoprim. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is peak and trough monitoring considered significant in antibiotic administration?

    <p>To ensure adequate drug effectiveness while reducing toxicity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided due to the risk of birth defects when taking certain antibiotics?

    <p>Alternative antibiotics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is primarily treated with TMP/SMZ (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole)?

    <p>Urinary tract infections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common cause of hypokalemia?

    <p>Diuretics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment method is NOT appropriate for hyperkalemia?

    <p>Oral potassium supplements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What regulates potassium levels in the body primarily?

    <p>Kidneys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following options is a treatment for hypomagnesemia?

    <p>Oral or IV magnesium sulfate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended approach to prevent hypokalemia in at-risk patients?

    <p>Use potassium-sparing diuretics or supplements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretic is primarily used for conditions that require potassium conservation?

    <p>Potassium-sparing diuretics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of loop diuretics such as Furosemide?

    <p>Hypokalemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which patient condition are thiazides considered first-line diuretics?

    <p>Diabetes insipidus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to watch potassium levels closely when administering Furosemide?

    <p>It can lead to hypokalemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following diuretics is used specifically for reducing intracranial pressure?

    <p>Osmotic diuretics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a contraindication for the use of loop diuretics?

    <p>Pregnancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretic is NOT suitable for rapid fluid removal in heart failure?

    <p>Thiazides (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a risk associated with the use of thiazides in patients with diabetes?

    <p>Hyperuricemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary nursing responsibility when administering clindamycin?

    <p>Monitor CBC and renal enzyme levels before therapy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse effect is associated with aminoglycosides?

    <p>Ototoxicity leading to tinnitus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk when using clindamycin?

    <p>Severe C. Diff infection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of infections are aminoglycosides particularly effective against?

    <p>Aerobic Gram-negative bacilli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be monitored in patients receiving aminoglycosides for potential adverse effects?

    <p>Renal function and signs of ototoxicity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of carbapenems among beta-lactam antibiotics?

    <p>They have low toxicity and a broad antimicrobial spectrum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition requires careful monitoring when administering cephalosporins?

    <p>Renal function (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity reaction can result from exposure to cephalosporins?

    <p>Rash (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is an appropriate action for preventing MRSA transmission?

    <p>Keeping infected sites covered. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of antibiotics is most widely used and has a similar structure to penicillin?

    <p>Cephalosporins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What severe symptom is associated with anaphylaxis?

    <p>Bronchoconstriction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key point regarding the pharmacokinetics of cephalosporins?

    <p>They require parenteral administration for adequate distribution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an effective strategy for reducing cephalosporin resistance?

    <p>Limiting antibiotic use and monitoring effectiveness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism contributes to bacterial resistance to penicillins?

    <p>Inactivation of penicillins by bacterial enzymes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse effect is associated with rapid infusion of vancomycin?

    <p>Red-man syndrome (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of penicillin?

    <p>Skin rash (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which penicillin is classified as extended-spectrum?

    <p>Piperacillin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key contraindication for administering Penicillin G?

    <p>Administration by oral route (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse reaction is classified as nephrotoxicity?

    <p>Renal failure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action can minimize adverse effects when using penicillins?

    <p>Perform skin tests for allergy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What treatment method should NEVER be used to administer potassium?

    <p>Pushed rapidly without dilution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of hypokalemia?

    <p>Use of loop or thiazide diuretics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is NOT appropriate for hyperkalemia?

    <p>Potassium-sparing diuretics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dietary approach is recommended for preventing hypomagnesemia?

    <p>Magnesium-rich foods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions can lead to hypermagnesemia?

    <p>Chronic kidney disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics such as Spironolactone?

    <p>Blocking aldosterone and retaining potassium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an adverse effect associated with Osmotic Diuretics like Mannitol?

    <p>Edema (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would be a contraindication for the use of Mannitol?

    <p>Intracranial bleeding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common etiology of respiratory acidosis?

    <p>COPD (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is primarily treated with loop diuretics?

    <p>Rapid fluid removal in heart failure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is treated by rebreathing carbon dioxide?

    <p>Respiratory alkalosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the treatment for severe metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Sodium bicarbonate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretic is considered first-line for treating hypertension?

    <p>Thiazides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretic is known to have the least amount of diuresis?

    <p>Potassium-sparing diuretics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of thiazide diuretics?

    <p>Hypokalemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which segment of the nephron do potassium-sparing diuretics primarily act?

    <p>Distal convoluted tubule (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common electrolyte imbalance may result from the use of Thiazide diuretics?

    <p>Hypokalemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following comorbidities poses a risk of hyperuricemia when treated with diuretics?

    <p>Gout (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key contraindication for the use of loop diuretics like Furosemide?

    <p>Pregnancy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk associated with the use of potassium-sparing diuretics?

    <p>Hyperkalemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretic should be avoided if a patient has severe electrolyte depletion?

    <p>Loop diuretics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

    A type of bacteria that is resistant to methicillin, a penicillin antibiotic.

    Penicillin resistance

    The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of penicillin antibiotics.

    Penicillin adverse effects

    Side effects of penicillin use, including renal failure, ototoxicity, and thrombophlebitis.

    Narrow-spectrum penicillin

    Penicillins that are effective against a limited range of bacteria.

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    Broad-spectrum penicillin

    Penicillins that are effective against a wider range of bacteria.

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    Penicillin allergy

    A serious adverse reaction to penicillin that can range from mild rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

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    Vancomycin administration

    Vancomycin should be administered slowly to prevent "red man syndrome."

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    Monitoring penicillin use

    Regularly checking for kidney function and drug levels to prevent damage from prolonged use or high doses.

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    Cephalosporin use with penicillin allergy

    Use cephalosporins as an alternative to penicillins for patients with mild penicillin allergies.

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    Cephalosporin allergy in severe reaction

    Avoid cephalosporins in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin.

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    Cephalosporin types

    Cephalosporins are classified by the speed of reaction (immediate, accelerated, or late).

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    Anaphylaxis symptoms

    Anaphylaxis presents with symptoms like laryngeal edema, bronchoconstriction, and severe hypotension.

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    MRSA transmission

    MRSA is transmitted through contact, colonizing skin and nostrils.

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    MRSA Prevention

    Prevent MRSA transmission through hand hygiene, covering infected sites, and proper wound care.

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    Cephalosporin resistance

    Beta-lactamases cause resistance to cephalosporins. 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins are more resistant.

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    Cephalosporin Pharmacokinetics

    Cephalosporins are poorly absorbed from the gut, but distributed widely throughout the body; kidneys eliminate them, so you must monitor kidney function.

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    C. diff superinfection

    A bacterial infection often resulting from broad-spectrum antibiotic use, transmitted via spores.

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    MRSA

    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a bacterial infection resistant to many common antibiotics.

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    Antibiotic stewardship

    Responsible antibiotic use to prevent antibiotic resistance.

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    Hand hygiene

    Frequent and proper handwashing, critical for preventing infection transmission.

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    Contact precautions

    Using gloves, gowns, and possibly masks when caring for patients with resistant infections.

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    Vancomycin

    An antibiotic used to treat MRSA infections.

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    Metronidazole/Fidaxomicin

    Antibiotics used to treat C. diff infections.

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    Infectious disease treatment monitoring

    Regular evaluation of drug effectiveness and negative effects like side effects for patients.

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    Potassium's role

    Potassium is essential for maintaining electrical excitability of muscles, regulating acid-base balance, and supporting heart contractions.

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    Hypokalemia

    Hypokalemia refers to a low potassium level in the blood, often below 3.5 mEq/L. It can be caused by diuretics, diarrhea, or vomiting.

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    Hyperkalemia

    Hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, often caused by potassium-sparing diuretics, renal failure, trauma, or high potassium intake.

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    Hypomagnesemia

    Hypomagnesemia is a deficiency of magnesium in the blood, frequently caused by alcoholism, diuretics, or malabsorption.

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    Hypermagnesemia

    Hypermagnesemia is a condition characterized by excessive magnesium in the blood, often arising from renal failure or excessive magnesium intake.

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    Penicillin Dosing

    Penicillin requires careful dosing to balance bacterial killing and minimizing toxicity. Single large doses or multiple smaller doses are used, with frequent monitoring of serum levels.

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    Penicillin Peak and Trough

    Penicillin's peak serum level must be high enough to kill bacteria, while the trough level must be low enough to avoid toxicity. Timing of peak and trough is critical.

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    Nitrofurantoin: Uses

    Nitrofurantoin is primarily used for acute infections of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder). It is not recommended for upper tract infections or complicated infections.

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    Nitrofurantoin: Adverse Effects

    Nitrofurantoin can cause a variety of adverse effects including GI upset, respiratory problems, blood abnormalities, nerve damage, and hepatotoxicity.

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    Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim

    These drugs inhibit tetrahydro-folic acid synthesis, a key step in bacterial growth. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics.

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    TMP/SMZ: Uses

    Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) are often used together in a fixed-dose combination to treat various infections, including otitis media, bronchitis, shigellosis, and pneumonia.

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    Penicillin & Muscle Relaxants

    Penicillin, cephalosporins, and vancomycin can intensify the effects of muscle relaxants like pancuronium.

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    Penicillin & Other Drugs

    When given with other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs, penicillin can increase their adverse effects.

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    Loop diuretics

    Diuretics that act in the ascending loop of Henle, effectively removing fluid and electrolytes.

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    Thiazides

    Diuretics that target the early distal convoluted tubule, less potent than loop diuretics, effective for various conditions like hypertension and mild edema.

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    Potassium-sparing diuretics

    Diuretics that block aldosterone in the distal convoluted tubule, conserve potassium while promoting fluid loss.

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    Osmotic diuretics

    Diuretics that draw water into the renal tubules, reducing intracranial or intraocular pressure.

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    Hypertension: Diuretic choice

    First-line treatment for hypertension is thiazides, potassium-sparing and loop diuretics may be used in specific cases.

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    Edema: Diuretic choice

    Loop diuretics are used for rapid fluid removal in heart failure or cirrhosis, potassium sparing for heart failure.

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    Furosemide: Adverse effects

    Furosemide can cause hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, ototoxicity, dehydration, hyperuricemia, and imbalances in calcium, magnesium.

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    Thiazides: Limitations

    Thiazides are less effective when urine flow is limited, unlike loop diuretics.

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    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

    A type of bacteria that is resistant to methicillin, a penicillin antibiotic. It's commonly found in hospitals and can be difficult to treat.

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    Penicillin Allergy: Severe Reaction

    If a patient has a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, cephalosporins should be avoided.

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    Anaphylaxis: What are the symptoms?

    Anaphylaxis is characterized by laryngeal edema (swelling in the throat), bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways), and severe hypotension (low blood pressure).

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    MRSA: How is it spread?

    MRSA is a bacteria that colonizes the skin and nostrils. It spreads through direct contact.

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    MRSA Prevention: What are the key steps?

    Preventing MRSA transmission involves good hand hygiene, covering infected sites, proper wound care, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

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    Cephalosporin Resistance: Why can bacteria become resistant?

    Bacteria develop resistance to cephalosporins through enzymes called beta-lactamases.

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    Cephalosporin Pharmacokinetics: Where do they go in the body?

    Cephalosporins are poorly absorbed from the gut, but distribute well throughout the body. They are eliminated by the kidneys.

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    Cephalosporins: What makes them special?

    Cephalosporins are widely used antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity, meaning they can kill a wide variety of bacteria.

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    Clindamycin (Cleocin)

    An antibiotic used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, mainly those located outside the central nervous system. Can be bacteriostatic or bactericidal, meaning it can either inhibit bacterial growth or kill them directly.

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    Clindamycin (Cleocin) Adverse Effects

    Clindamycin is known to cause Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, a severe form of diarrhea, and also carries the risk of pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon.

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    Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Amikacin)

    A class of bactericidal antibiotics that are effective against a narrow range of bacteria, primarily aerobic gram-negative bacilli. They are not absorbed orally and are administered through IV or eye drops.

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    Aminoglycosides Adverse Effects

    Common side effects include ototoxicity (ear damage), nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), and hypersensitivity reactions.

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    Drug Interactions: Aminoglycosides

    Aminoglycosides can interact with other medications, including other antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and drugs that affect kidney function.

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    Adverse effects of Furosemide

    Furosemide can cause hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, ototoxicity, dehydration, hyperuricemia, and imbalances in calcium, magnesium.

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    Which diuretic is best for rapid fluid removal?

    Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are the best choice for rapid fluid removal in cases like heart failure or cirrhosis.

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    When are potassium-sparing diuretics used?

    Potassium-sparing diuretics are often used for patients with heart failure, as they help to conserve potassium.

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    Loop Diuretics: Action

    These diuretics work in the ascending loop of Henle, where they block the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water, leading to increased excretion of these substances in the urine.

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    Thiazide Diuretics: Action

    Thiazide diuretics act on the early distal convoluted tubule, inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, promoting increased urine output.

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    Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Action

    These diuretics block the action of aldosterone in the distal nephron, leading to potassium retention and increased sodium excretion.

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    Osmotic Diuretics: Action

    Osmotic diuretics increase urine flow by drawing water into the renal tubules. This effect is particularly useful for reducing intracranial or intraocular pressure.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: Causes

    Respiratory acidosis occurs when the body cannot remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood, leading to an increase in acidity.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis: Causes

    Respiratory alkalosis happens when the body eliminates too much carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood.

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    Metabolic Acidosis: Causes

    Metabolic acidosis happens when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys cannot remove enough acid from the blood.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis: Causes

    Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the body loses too much acid or gains too much base, leading to a decrease in blood acidity.

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    Study Notes

    Antimicrobial Therapy

    • Selective toxicity is crucial in antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobials should target structures or processes unique to microbes, sparing host cells. Mechanisms include disruption of bacterial cell walls, inhibiting unique bacterial enzymes, or disrupting protein synthesis. Mechanisms also include inhibiting cell wall synthesis, disrupting cell membrane permeability, inhibiting protein synthesis, and disrupting nucleic acid synthesis.

    • Antimicrobial drugs are classified based on the organisms they treat: antibacterial (broad or narrow spectrum), antiviral (e.g., HIV, influenza), antifungal. Certain organisms respond poorly to available drugs.

    • Mechanisms of action vary, including inhibition of cell wall synthesis, disruption of cell membrane permeability, inhibition of protein synthesis, and disruption of nucleic acid synthesis.

    • Bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria at clinically achievable concentrations. Good for complicated or severe infections or in patients with a weak immune system.

    • Bacteriostatic drugs slow bacterial growth but aren't directly lethal. These drugs need the host immune system to kill the bacteria.

    • Acquired resistance can develop over time, reducing drug effectiveness. Causes include reduced drug uptake, drug inactivation by microbial enzymes, and alterations in drug targets.

    • Superinfections can occur during treatment of a primary infection when normal flora is killed. This may permit a different infection to flourish. Examples include Candida in females, MRSA, and drug-resistant TB.

    Selection of Antibiotics

    • Cultures must be performed before initiating antibiotic therapy.

    • Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used initially, switching to narrow-spectrum antibiotics once culture and sensitivity results are available.

    • Host factors (site of infection, allergies, and immune status) should be considered for selection.

    • Drug choice is influenced by renal or hepatic impairment, genetic factors, and prior allergic reactions.

    Dosage and Duration

    • Adequate drug levels at the infection site are necessary for an appropriate duration of time.

    Therapeutic Combinations

    • Educating patients to complete the full antibiotic regimen is vital to prevent antibiotic resistance.

    Bacterial Cell Walls

    • Penicillin's and other beta-lactam antibiotics are active against a diverse range of bacteria. The beta-lactam ring structure extends to include cephalosporins, carbapenems, and aztreonam. Penicillinase-sensitive antibiotics can be combined with beta-lactams to expand their antimicrobial spectrum.

    • These drugs target bacterial cell wall synthesis.

    • Vancomycin is administered intravenously (IV) for systemic infections, or orally (PO) for C. diff.

    • Common adverse effects include renal failure, ototoxicity (reversible or permanent), and thrombophlebitis.

    • Factors contributing to bacterial resistance to penicillins include inability to reach targets, enzymatic inactivation, and the generation of penicillin-binding proteins with low affinity.

    Extended-Spectrum Penicillins

    • Piperacillin is an extended-spectrum penicillin often used for infections in immunocompromised hosts.

    Cephalosporins

    • Cephalosporins, like penicillins, are beta-lactam antibiotics. They are frequently used due to low toxicity and are effective against bacteria undergoing growth and division (bactericidal). Different generations vary in spectrum coverage and resistance profiles.

    Macrolides / Aminoglycosides

    • Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) are broad-spectrum drugs commonly used, often bacteriostatic (but sometimes bactericidal), particularly for patients allergic to penicillin.

    • Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin) are narrow-spectrum drugs usually having a bactericidal effect and administered intravenously (IV). Common adverse effects can include ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

    Nursing Roles in Resistant Infections (e.g., MRSA, C. diff)

    • Preventing and treating resistant infections relies on hand hygiene, contact precautions, thorough environmental cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, and patient/family education.

    • MRSA colonizes the skin and nostrils, transmitted via contact.

    • C. diff (Clostridium difficile) is a superinfection often arising after broad-spectrum antibiotic use. It is transmitted via spores, frequently by healthcare workers.

    Drugs Inhibiting Protein Synthesis

    • Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic, typically administered orally, affecting various infections like acne.

    • Tetracycline absorption may be reduced when taken with calcium or magnesium supplements, or milk products. They should not be given during pregnancy or to children under 8 years of age.

    Macrolides / Aminoglycosides

    • Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) are broad-spectrum, often bacteriostatic, and are often used when patients have a penicillin allergy.

    • Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin) are narrow-spectrum and usually have bactericidal effects. They are given intravenously (IV) usually. Common adverse effects can be ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

    Preventing and Treating Resistant Infections

    • Nurses play an essential role in the prevention and treatment of resistant infections, such as MRSA and C. diff. Strategies include hand hygiene, contact precautions, infection control practices, and proper antibiotic use.

    Drugs Inhibiting Tetrahydrofolic Acid Synthesis

    • Sulfonamides and trimethoprim are broad-spectrum drugs. They are frequently used as first-line therapy for uncomplicated UTIs, otitis media, and ulcerative colitis.

    • Adverse effects include renal damage, megaloblastic anemia (with folate deficiency), steven-johnson syndrome, and fever/malaise.

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    Test your knowledge on key pharmacological concepts related to antibiotics. This quiz covers important questions about cephalosporins, penicillins, adverse effects, and resistance mechanisms. Perfect for students studying pharmacology or medicine.

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