Pharm 4.2

These flashcards cover key concepts on antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals from the lecture notes.

What is the purpose of Gram staining in bacteria?

To categorize bacteria and determine the type of antibiotic to use.

What color do Gram positive bacteria turn during Gram staining?

Purple.

What color do Gram negative bacteria turn during Gram staining?

Red.

Define community-acquired infection.

An infection acquired by a person who has not been hospitalized or had a medical procedure within the past year.

What are healthcare-associated infections?

Infections contracted in a health care facility that were not present or incubating upon admission.

Why are healthcare-associated infections more difficult to treat?

Causative microorganisms are often drug resistant and highly virulent.

What are the names of two common drug-resistant bacteria mentioned?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

What is essential before beginning antibiotic therapy?

To obtain cultures from appropriate sites.

What do culture and sensitivity studies determine?

The best course of treatment for identified bacteria.

What is empiric therapy?

Treatment of an infection before specific culture information has been reported or obtained.

Define definitive therapy.

Antibiotic therapy tailored to treat organism identified with cultures.

What is prophylactic therapy?

Treatment with antibiotics to prevent an infection.

What are therapeutic responses noted during antibiotic therapy?

Decrease in specific signs and symptoms of infection.

What does a subtherapeutic response indicate?

Signs and symptoms of infection do not improve.

What is pseudomembranous colitis associated with?

Clostridium difficile infection.

Name two broad classes of antibiotics that often cause allergic reactions.

Penicillins and sulfonamides.

What are the three actions of antibiotics?

Bactericidal, bacteriostatic, and interference with cellular processes.

What is the mechanism of action for sulfonamides?

Bacteriostatic action that inhibits folic acid synthesis in bacteria.

Against what type of infections are sulfonamides effective?

Urinary tract infections and some respiratory infections.

What is a nursing implication for patients taking sulfonamides?

Take with 2000 to 3000 mL of fluid per 24 hours.

List three types of penicillins.

Natural, aminopenicillins, and penicillinase-resistant drugs.

How do penicillins work in bacteria?

They bind to penicillin-binding proteins and disrupt cell wall synthesis.

What are common adverse effects of penicillins?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

What should be monitored in patients taking penicillins?

Allergic reactions for at least 30 minutes after administration.

What are cephalosporins related to?

Penicillins, with similar structure and pharmacologic properties.

How do cephalosporins affect bacteria?

They impair cell wall synthesis, causing bacteria to swell and burst.

What type of antibiotics are macrolides?

Bacteriostatic antibiotics that prevent protein synthesis.

List two common macrolides used in treatment.

Erythromycin and azithromycin.

What are the indications for tetracyclines?

Gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, including protozoa and Rickettsia.

Why should tetracyclines be avoided in children under 8 years?

They can cause discoloration of permanent teeth.

What are multidrug-resistant organisms?

Organisms resistant to one or more classes of antimicrobial drugs.

What serious adverse effect can aminoglycosides cause?

Nephrotoxicity or kidney damage.

What is the mechanism of action for quinolones?

They are bactericidal and alter bacterial DNA.

List one indication for the use of antivirals.

Treatment of infections caused by cytomegalovirus or influenza viruses.

What characterizes opportunistic infections?

They occur in immunocompromised patients and are not harmful to immunocompetent individuals.

What are mycotic infections also known as?

Fungal infections.

What is the action mechanism of antifungal drugs?

They treat infections caused by fungi.

What are common side effects of antifungal drugs?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased liver enzymes.

Name a side effect of intravenous vancomycin.

Red man syndrome, characterized by flushing or itching.

How are tuberculosis infections primarily characterized?

By granulomas in the lungs.

What is isoniazid used for?

It is a primary drug for treating tuberculosis.

Why is monitoring therapeutic effects of antibiotics important?

To assess improvement of signs and symptoms of infection.

What type of drugs are used to treat HIV infections?

Antiretroviral drugs.

Why are some viruses hard to eliminate with antiviral drugs?

Because they live inside host cells.