NURS 2042 - Antibiotics Pt 2

What is the key difference between broad spectrum and narrow spectrum antibiotics?

Broad spectrum antibiotics cover a wide range of bacteria, while narrow spectrum antibiotics target specific types.

When are broad spectrum antibiotics typically used?

When the specific bacteria causing an infection are unknown.

Which antibiotics are considered broad spectrum?

Cephalosporins (4th Gen), Carbapenems, Penicillins, Sulfonamides, Quinolones, Tetracyclines.

When are narrow spectrum antibiotics typically used?

When the specific bacteria causing the infection are identified.

Which antibiotics are considered narrow spectrum?

Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins (1st-3rd Gen and 5th Gen), Glycopeptides, Macrolides, Oxazolidinones.

What type of antibiotic is Vancomycin and what is it used for?

Vancomycin is a Glycopeptide, narrow spectrum, but used for many types of infections.

What are Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and why are they a threat?

MDROs are organisms resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant public health threat.

Name examples of MDROs.

MRSA, VRE, C-Diff, ESBLs.

What are key differences between contact and contact plus isolation precautions?

Contact uses hand sanitizer; contact plus requires hand washing due to organisms like C. diff; precautions vary based on infection location.

What are beta-lactam antibiotics and their function?

Antibiotics with a beta-lactam ring that disrupt bacterial cell wall formation, crucial for treating bacterial infections.

What are potential issues with beta-lactam antibiotics?

Can cause cross-sensitivities and may be rendered ineffective by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria.

What is beta-lactamase and how does it affect antibiotics?

An enzyme that destroys beta-lactam antibiotics; can be countered by modifying the drug or adding chemicals to neutralize the enzyme.

What are carbapenems used for and how do they work?

Potent broad-spectrum antibiotics for severe infections; they inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What are key precautions and adverse effects of carbapenems?

Don’t mix or infuse with other drugs; AE: severe diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, seizures, phlebitis.

How do the generations of cephalosporins differ in spectrum?

1st–3rd & 5th Gen are narrow spectrum; 4th Gen is broad spectrum.

What are 5th generation cephalosporins used for?

Effective against MRSA, complicated UTIs, hospital-acquired pneumonia.

What are the uses of cephalosporins in general?

UTIs, respiratory infections, abdominal infections, bacteremia, meningitis, osteomyelitis.

What are common adverse effects of cephalosporins?

Diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, secondary infections (oral thrush, genital pruritis), nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, thrombophlebitis, drug interactions.

How do penicillins work and when are they effective?

Interfere with bacterial cell wall formation; most effective when bacteria multiply rapidly.

What are common uses of penicillins?

Ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, UTIs, syphilis, and prophylactic for rheumatic fever.

What are the adverse effects and interactions of penicillins?

AE: diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, nausea, vomiting, Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Interactions: antacids, birth control.

Why is understanding the application of antibiotics in clinical practice important?

To ensure appropriate use, understand limitations, and combat antibiotic resistance.