Antibiotics and Patient Education

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical duration of a cephalosporin regimen?

14 days

10 days (correct)

5 days

21 days

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a draining wound?

Enforce droplet isolation precautions

Teach the patient about the ordered antibiotics

Administer the ordered antibiotics

Culture the wound (correct)

Why should a patient taking cephalosporins ingest buttermilk or yogurt?

To reduce the risk of allergic reactions

To increase the absorption of the medication

To prevent nausea

To prevent superinfection of intestinal flora (correct)

What should a patient report to their healthcare provider when taking cephalosporins?

Mouth sores Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of completing the full course of cephalosporin therapy?

To ensure that the infection is fully cleared Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient take cephalosporins with food?

To reduce nausea Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of cephalosporins?

Inhibiting cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mechanism of resistance to cephalosporins?

Beta-lactamase production Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of cephalosporin therapy?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of antibiotic sensitivity testing?

To guide antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient taking a cephalosporin?

Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of a superinfection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) test?

To identify the organism causing the infection and determine antibiotic sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

How should IV cephalosporins be administered to prevent phlebitis?

Over 30 to 45 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of Penicillin?

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a narrow-spectrum antibiotic?

Primarily effective against one type of bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of teaching the patient to use buttermilk, yogurt, acidophilus milk, or probiotics?

To maintain GI flora Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using broad-spectrum antibiotics?

Increased risk of superinfection Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential effect of cephalosporin on oral birth control?

Decreases the effect of oral birth control Signup and view all the answers

Why should the patient take the entire prescribed dose of cephalosporin?

To ensure that the infection is fully treated Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the generations of Cephalosporins?

The spectrum of bacteria they are effective against Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse teach the patient to expect and report regarding yeast infection?

Adverse reactions to report Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of Cephalosporins?

GI upset Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed before administering antibiotics?

The patient's allergies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring vital signs and increasing fluids in a patient taking cephalosporin?

To prevent dehydration and promote healing Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of antibiotic resistance?

Treatment failures and increased morbidity Signup and view all the answers

Why should the nurse administer IV cephalosporin over 30 minutes?

To prevent phlebitis Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse teach the patient regarding the administration of cephalosporin?

Take the medication on an empty stomach or with food Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored during antibiotic therapy?

The patient's renal and liver function Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to obtain a Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) test before starting antibiotic therapy?

To identify the organism causing the infection and determine antibiotic sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse evaluate to determine if the cephalosporin treatment was effective?

The patient's response to the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs?

Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit growth of bacteria, while bactericidal drugs kill bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of penicillin?

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of antibiotic misuse?

Increased antibiotic resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a culture and sensitivity test?

To identify the infective microorganism and determine the effective antibiotic Signup and view all the answers

What is cross-resistance?

Resistance to a class of antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of an organism to resist the effects of an antibiotic?

Resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of an antibiotic to inhibit or kill an organism?

Sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the infections acquired in healthcare settings?

Healthcare-acquired infections Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a bacterium that has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of cephalosporins?

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using sulfonamides and trimethoprim in combination?

To synergistically reduce the development of bacterial resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indication for sulfonamide therapy?

Urinary infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of sulfonamide therapy?

Photosensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for sulfonamide therapy?

Renal or liver disease Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse assess before administering sulfonamides?

Renal function and medical history Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential interaction between sulfonamides and warfarin?

Increased bleeding risk Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse teach the patient to do to reduce the risk of crystalluria?

Increase fluid intake to at least 2000 mL/day Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of sulfonamide therapy?

Renal failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of taking dairy products or antacids with sulfonamides?

Decrease absorption Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse administer to the patient before starting sulfonamide therapy?

A Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) test Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse monitor in a patient taking sulfonamides?

Urinary output and CBC Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sulfonamides on the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylureas?

Increase the hypoglycemic effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sulfonamides on the anticoagulant effect of warfarin?

Increase the anticoagulant effect Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients taking sulfonamides increase their fluid intake?

To prevent crystalluria Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of effect of combining two medications, such as trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, in co-trimoxazole?

Synergistic Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not taking sulfonamides with antacids?

Increased absorption Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients avoid taking antacids with sulfonamides?

To prevent decreased absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sulfonamides on the body's ability to excrete the medication?

Decrease excretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of fluid intake in patients taking sulfonamides?

To prevent crystalluria Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of interaction between sulfonamides and sulfonylureas?

Potentiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of monitoring vital signs and increasing fluids in a patient taking sulfonamides?

To prevent crystalluria Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient taking sulfonamides avoid taking antacids?

To increase the absorption of the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring for bleeding and bruising in a patient taking sulfonamides?

To monitor for adverse reactions to the medication Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to teach patients to increase fluid intake when taking sulfonamides?

To prevent crystalluria Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of teaching patients to wear sunglasses and sunblock when taking sulfonamides?

To prevent phototoxicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring renal function in a patient taking sulfonamides?

To monitor for nephrotoxicity Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient taking sulfonamides avoid taking dairy products or antacids?

To increase the absorption of the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring for rash and superinfection in a patient taking sulfonamides?

To monitor for adverse reactions to the medication Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient taking sulfonamides take the medication on an empty stomach?

To increase the absorption of the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of teaching patients to report bruising or bleeding when taking sulfonamides?

To monitor for adverse reactions to the medication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Monitoring and Teaching

Monitor for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction, superinfection, and organ toxicity
Monitor vital signs and increase fluids to prevent dehydration
Teach patients to take the entire prescribed dose, and to report signs of superinfection (yeast infection)
Teach patients to use buttermilk, yogurt, acidophilus milk, or probiotics to maintain GI flora
Teach patients to recognize signs and symptoms of allergy

Antibiotics Overview

Antibiotics can be bacteriostatic (inhibit growth) or bactericidal (kill bacteria)
Mechanisms of action include:
- Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Alteration of membrane permeability
- Inhibition of protein synthesis
- Inhibition of synthesis of bacterial RNA and DNA
- Interference with metabolism within the cell

Penicillin and Cephalosporins

Penicillin:
- Narrow-spectrum and broad-spectrum types
- Action: inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Side effects: GI distress, hypersensitivity, bleeding, superinfection
- Contraindications: allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin, severe kidney disease
Cephalosporins:
- Generations: first to fifth
- Use: bacterial infections
- Side effects: GI upset, dizziness, headache, superinfection, bleeding, allergic reaction
- Contraindications: severe kidney disease, penicillin or cephalosporin allergy

Nursing Process

Assessment: assess for allergies, renal and liver function, review lab results and I & O
Nursing interventions:
- Obtain C&S before giving first dose
- Administer antibiotics over 30-45 minutes
- Monitor vital signs and I & O

Practice Questions

Priority nursing intervention for a patient with a draining wound is to obtain a culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing of infectious organism (C&S)
When teaching a patient about cephalosporin therapy, inform them to report signs of superinfection, such as mouth ulcers or discharge from the anal or genital area

Uses of Sulfonamides

Used in synergistic effect to delay bacterial resistance
Used to treat urinary infections and MRSA
Alternative therapy for patients allergic to penicillin

Routes of Administration

Oral
IV
Topical
Ophthalmic

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

GI distress
Stomatitis
Photosensitivity
Hypoglycemia
Blood dyscrasias (RBC's, WBC's, platelets)
Crystalluria leading to renal failure
Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Contraindications

Renal or liver disease
Anemia
Caution in older adults and diabetes

Interactions

Increases bleeding with warfarin
Increases effect of hypoglycemics
Increases digoxin level

Assessment

Vital signs
Renal function (urine output/labs)
Medical history/medication history
Allergies
CBC (baseline)

Nursing Interventions

Obtain C&S
Administer with full glass of water
Increase fluid intake to at least 2000 mL/day
Monitor I&O, VS, and CBC
Monitor for bleeding, CBC, and renal function
Monitor for rash and superinfection
Avoid during third trimester
Best given on an empty stomach

Teaching

Increase fluids to several quarts a day
Do not take antacids with medication
Warn patient if allergic to other sulfa drugs
Teach to minimize side effects
Teach to report adverse reactions (bruising or bleeding)
Wear sunglasses and sunblock when outdoors

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Description

This quiz covers the importance of monitoring patients undergoing antibiotic treatment, recognizing signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, and teaching patients to maintain good health practices. It also provides an overview of antibiotics.