High-Yield Antibiotic Review Flashcards

What does selective toxicity mean in antimicrobial therapy?

The ability of a drug to injure invading microbes without harming host cells.

What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs?

Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria; bacteriostatic drugs suppress bacterial growth.

Which antibiotic classes require peak and trough monitoring?

Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) and vancomycin.

What are the two major toxicities of aminoglycosides and vancomycin?

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (hearing loss or tinnitus).

What should the nurse do if a patient on an aminoglycoside reports ringing in the ears?

Stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider — possible ototoxicity.

What is Red Man Syndrome and how is it prevented?

A histamine reaction from infusing vancomycin too fast; prevent by running over 90–120 minutes and giving Benadryl if needed.

Which antibiotics have Black Box Warnings for tendon rupture?

Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin).

What patient teaching should be given about activity while taking fluoroquinolones?

Avoid heavy lifting, running, or strenuous activity — even mild movement can rupture a tendon.

Which antibiotic classes can prolong the QT interval?

Fluoroquinolones and macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin).

Which antibiotics must never be taken with milk, antacids, or iron?

Tetracyclines — they form insoluble chelates and lose effectiveness.

Who should never receive tetracyclines?

Pregnant or lactating women and children under 8 years old (risk of gray tooth discoloration).

Which antibiotics require complete alcohol avoidance due to Antabuse-like reactions?

Metronidazole (Flagyl) and some cephalosporins.

What is the most common drug allergy among antibiotics?

Penicillin allergy.

What is the cross-reactivity rate between penicillins and first-generation cephalosporins?

About 10%; lower with later generations.

Which antibiotic is the #1 oral treatment for MRSA?

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), doxycycline, or clindamycin.

What are early signs of C. diff infection to report immediately?

Severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or bloody stool.

Which antibiotics have the highest risk of causing C. diff?

Clindamycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones.

What is the dual therapy for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Doxycycline 100 mg BID × 7 days (chlamydia) + Ceftriaxone IM single dose (gonorrhea).

What is the cardinal nursing rule before administering any medication?

Never give a drug you don’t know — always verify indication, dose, and side effects.

How much of the NCLEX exam focuses on pharmacology?

About 20–23%, making it the single largest content category.