Antimicrobial Therapy
This class of antibiotics includes gentamicin and tobramycin and is known for causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
What are aminoglycosides?
When broad-spectrum antibiotics destroy normal flora, it can lead to an overgrowth of resistant bacteria, causing this secondary infection.
What is a superinfection?
This bacterium is associated with peptic ulcer disease and requires a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors to treat.
What is H. pylori?
When giving IV antibiotics, the nurse should always monitor the patient for this immediate life-threatening reaction.
What is anaphylaxis?
This term describes bacteria's ability to survive antibiotic treatment due to overuse or misuse of antibiotics.
What is resistance?
This class of antibiotics is divided into five generations and is structurally related to penicillins.
What are cephalosporins?
This occurs when an individual’s immune system reacts negatively to a drug, often presenting as hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
What is an allergy?
Loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate are examples of this class of drugs used to slow bowel motility.
What are antidiarrheals?
Patients taking cephalosporins should be assessed for an allergy to this related class of antibiotics.
What are penicillins?
These infections occur in a healthcare setting and are often more resistant to standard treatments.
What are hospital-acquired infections?
These medications treat fungal infections by targeting the fungal cell membrane or inhibiting fungal growth.
What are antifungals?
A nurse should monitor patients taking aminoglycosides for these two major toxicities.
What are nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity?
This class of medications helps neutralize stomach acid and is often used for indigestion or heartburn relief.
What are antacids?
When administering IV vancomycin, the nurse should infuse it slowly to prevent this reaction.
What is red man syndrome?
The best way to prevent hospital-acquired infections is by following this essential hygiene practice.
What is handwashing?
Patients taking tetracyclines should be advised to avoid these substances, as they can bind to the drug and decrease its absorption.
What are dairy products, calcium supplements, and antacids?
This class of antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration in children and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What are tetracyclines?
Chronic laxative use can lead to dependence and a loss of this natural bodily function.
What is peristalsis?
This occurs when a suppressed immune system allows infections that normally wouldn’t be harmful to cause illness.
What is an opportunistic infection?
When a patient does not finish their full antibiotic regimen, it increases the risk of this occurring.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
These antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are known for their risk of tendon rupture.
What are fluoroquinolones?
A crucial nursing responsibility is reinforcing the importance of medication schedules to ensure effectiveness and prevent resistance.
What is adherence?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and pantoprazole work by reducing the secretion of this substance.
What is gastric acid?
A nurse should educate patients taking fluoroquinolones to avoid excessive exposure to this environmental factor.
What is sunlight (due to photosensitivity)?
This bacterial infection, commonly associated with long-term antibiotic use, can cause severe diarrhea and requires special precautions to prevent its spread.
What is Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection?