Chapter 5 Antibiotics / Antibacterial Drugs

What is the classification of penicillins?

Beta-lactam antibiotics and bactericidal drugs.

How do penicillins work?

They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by blocking peptidoglycan formation.

What is the result of penicillin’s mechanism of action?

The bacterial cell wall weakens and the bacteria rupture and die.

What infections are commonly treated with penicillins?

Streptococcal infections, pneumonia, otitis media, urinary tract infections, skin infections, syphilis.

What is the most serious adverse reaction to penicillin?

Anaphylaxis.

What symptoms indicate anaphylaxis?

Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe hypotension.

What superinfections may occur with penicillins?

Clostridioides difficile infection, yeast infections.

What important drug interaction occurs with oral contraceptives?

Penicillins may reduce birth control effectiveness.

What should the nurse assess before giving penicillin?

History of penicillin allergy.

What is the NCLEX tip for penicillin administration?

Always check for penicillin allergy first.

What is the classification of cephalosporins?

Beta-lactam antibiotics and bactericidal drugs.

How do cephalosporins work?

They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What infections do cephalosporins treat?

Respiratory infections, UTIs, skin infections, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis.

What important allergy concept exists with cephalosporins?

Cross-sensitivity with penicillins.

What serious allergic reaction may occur with cephalosporins?

Anaphylaxis.

What reaction may occur if alcohol is taken with certain cephalosporins?

Disulfiram-like reaction.

What symptoms occur in a disulfiram reaction?

Nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache.

What infection may occur as a superinfection with cephalosporins?

Clostridioides difficile infection.

What must the nurse check before giving cephalosporins?

History of penicillin allergy.

What is the NCLEX tip for cephalosporins?

Always check for penicillin allergy due to cross-reactivity.

What is the classification of vancomycin?

Glycopeptide antibiotic.

How does vancomycin work?

It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What resistant infection is vancomycin commonly used for?

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

What serious reaction occurs if vancomycin is infused too quickly?

Red Man Syndrome.

What symptoms occur in Red Man Syndrome?

Flushing, rash, itching, hypotension.

How can Red Man Syndrome be prevented?

Infuse vancomycin slowly over at least 60 minutes.

What two major toxicities occur with vancomycin?

Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity.

What lab value should be monitored with vancomycin?

Vancomycin trough levels.

What symptoms suggest ototoxicity?

Hearing loss, tinnitus.

What is the NCLEX tip for vancomycin?

Red Man Syndrome occurs when infused too quickly.

What is the classification of carbapenems?

Beta-lactam broad-spectrum antibiotics.

How do carbapenems work?

They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What infections do carbapenems treat?

Sepsis, pneumonia, complicated UTIs, meningitis, intra-abdominal infections.

Why are carbapenems considered “last-line antibiotics”?

They are used for severe or resistant infections.

What serious neurological adverse effect may occur?

Seizures.

Which carbapenem has the highest seizure risk?

Imipenem.

What superinfection may occur with carbapenems?

Clostridioides difficile infection.

What allergy concern exists with carbapenems?

Cross-sensitivity with penicillins.

What drug interaction occurs with valproic acid?

Carbapenems decrease valproic acid effectiveness.

What is the NCLEX tip for carbapenems?

Seizures are a key adverse effect, especially with imipenem.

What is the classification of tetracyclines?

Broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics.

How do tetracyclines work?

They inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosome.

What infections are treated with tetracyclines?

Acne, Chlamydia, Lyme disease, respiratory infections.

Why are tetracyclines contraindicated in pregnancy?

They cause tooth discoloration and bone growth problems.

Why should tetracyclines not be given to children under 8 years?

They cause permanent tooth discoloration.

What common side effect occurs with tetracyclines?

Photosensitivity.

What substances decrease tetracycline absorption?

Dairy products, antacids, iron supplements.

How should tetracycline be taken to prevent esophageal irritation?

With a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes.

What superinfection may occur with tetracyclines?

Clostridioides difficile infection.

What is the NCLEX tip for tetracyclines?

Avoid dairy products and do not give to children under 8 years.