Pharmacology Practice Flashcards: Antibiotics, Diabetes Medications, and Hormones

A comprehensive set of practice questions covering antimicrobial therapy, types of antibiotics (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides), diabetes management (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, insulin protocols), and hormonal treatments (levothyroxine, prednisone).

What is the general function of an antimicrobial medication?

It kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Antibiotics are specifically used to treat which type of infection?

Bacterial infections.

What characterizes a broad-spectrum antibiotic?

It is effective against a wide variety of different bacteria.

According to the lecture, which medications are examples of broad-spectrum antibiotics?

Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline, and Amoxicillin.

According to the notes, which antibiotic is classified as narrow-spectrum?

Vancomycin.

What is the definition of "empiric therapy" in antibiotic treatment?

Starting antibiotic treatment immediately before culture results have returned.

What is a common clinical example of a superinfection resulting from antibiotic therapy?

A yeast infection that occurs after antibiotic therapy.

When does antibiotic resistance occur?

When bacteria no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them.

What are the primary teaching points to help prevent antibiotic resistance?

Finish the entire prescription, never share medications, and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

What is a common risk associated with taking broad-spectrum antibiotics?

Superinfection.

What are the clinical findings associated with a C. diff infection?

Persistent diarrhea, fever, foul-smelling stool, and abdominal cramping.

What is the priority nursing action when a patient is suspected of having a C. diff infection?

Implement contact precautions.

Which symptoms are most consistent with a true allergic reaction to an antibiotic?

Wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Gentamicin belongs to which class of antibiotics?

Aminoglycoside.

What serious toxicities are associated with Gentamicin therapy?

Ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinnitus, balance problems) and nephrotoxicity (monitored via Creatinine levels).

What serious condition is associated with infusing Vancomycin too rapidly?

Red Man Syndrome.

What are the key nursing responsibilities for a patient receiving Vancomycin?

Monitor renal function, obtain trough levels, infuse the medication slowly, and monitor hearing.

What is a serious and specific adverse effect associated with Fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin?

Tendon rupture.

What conditions or values must a nurse monitor in patients taking Fluoroquinolones?

Blood glucose changes and tendon pain.

Sulfonamides, such as Bactrim, frequently cause which side effect?

Photosensitivity (patients should avoid prolonged sun exposure).

What is a rare but life-threatening adverse reaction associated with sulfonamides?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

What is the mechanism of action for Metformin?

It decreases glucose production by the liver.

What are the most common side effects of Metformin?

Nausea and diarrhea.

How should Metformin be administered in relation to food?

It should be taken with food.

What nursing action is required for a patient on Metformin scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast?

Hold the Metformin before the scan and monitor renal function before restarting to reduce the risk of lactic acidosis.

What are the common signs of hypoglycemia?

Cold, clammy skin, tremors, sweating, and confusion.

What are the common signs of hyperglycemia?

Fruity breath, polyuria, tachypnea, and DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis).

How do SGLT2 inhibitors (such as Empagliflozin) lower blood glucose?

By increasing glucose excretion in the urine.

What are the nursing considerations for patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors?

Monitor for UTIs, dehydration, and increased urination, and encourage adequate hydration.

Why do GLP-1 agonists assist with weight loss?

They slow gastric emptying, which helps patients feel full longer.

Which insulins are classified as rapid-acting?

Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine.

What is the nursing rule for the timing of rapid-acting insulin administration?

Give it $10-15$ minutes before meals; the rule is "No food No insulin."

How is Regular insulin classified and what is its primary purpose?

It is short-acting insulin used to control blood glucose after meals.

Which insulin provides steady basal coverage and should never be mixed with other insulins?

Glargine (Long-acting).

What is the "15-15 Rule" for treating hypoglycemia?

Give $15$ grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (like orange juice), wait $15$ minutes, and then recheck the blood glucose level.

Which medication class can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia like tachycardia and tremors?

Beta blockers.

What are the education points for a diabetic patient regarding exercise?

Exercise increases glucose use by muscles; patients should check blood glucose before starting and carry a carbohydrate source.

What is Levothyroxine used to treat and what is the proper administration protocol?

It treats hypothyroidism and should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

Which adverse effect might indicate a patient is receiving too much Levothyroxine?

Chest pain or palpitations.

What is Isoniazid used to treat and what is its major adverse effect?

It treats tuberculosis; its major adverse effect is hepatotoxicity (indicated by jaundice). Patients must avoid alcohol.

Which supplement is known to decrease the absorption of Ciprofloxacin?

Calcium supplements.

What is the classification of Prednisone and what are its primary effects?

It is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation; it suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of infection.

What are the side effects and risks associated with Prednisone therapy?

Increased blood glucose and an increased risk of GI bleeding when combined with NSAIDs.