Basics of Antibiotics
This term means a drug harms bacteria but not body cells.
What is selective toxicity?
Rationale: The drug targets parts of bacteria that human cells do not have.
Name one antibiotic group that kills bacteria by breaking the cell wall.
What are penicillins or cephalosporins?
Rationale: These beta‑lactams damage the bacterial cell wall so the cell bursts.
This class blocks protein building and stains kids’ teeth.
What are tetracyclines?
Rationale: Tetracyclines can cause yellow‑brown tooth discoloration in children.
Treatment for TB always uses at least how many drugs?
What is two or more drugs?
Rationale: Using multiple drugs lowers the chance of resistance.
Antiviral drugs only work when the virus is doing what?
What is replicating (actively multiplying)?
Rationale: They target steps in viral replication, not dormant virus.
This type of antibiotic works on many kinds of bacteria.
What is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic?
Rationale: Broad-spectrum drugs cover a wide range of organisms
As cephalosporin generations go up, they get better at killing which type: gram‑positive or gram‑negative?
What are gram‑negative bacteria?
Rationale: Later generations work better on gram‑negative and reach the CSF more.
Macrolides like azithromycin are often used when patients are allergic to what group?
What is penicillin?
Rationale: They are a common substitute for penicillin‑allergic patients.
This TB drug blocks mycolic acid and can cause numb hands and feet.
What is isoniazid?
Rationale: Isoniazid can cause peripheral neuropathy.
HAART usually uses how many HIV medicines together?
What are three or four medicines?
Rationale: Combining drugs lowers resistance and viral load
This lab test uses disks with antibiotics to see “clear zones.”
What is the disk diffusion test?
Rationale: Bigger clear zones mean the bacteria are more sensitive.
This IV drug treats MRSA and can hurt the kidneys and ears.
A: What is vancomycin?
Rationale: Vancomycin is used for serious gram‑positive infections and needs close monitoring.
Name one major toxicity of aminoglycosides like gentamicin.
What is kidney damage or hearing loss?
Rationale: These drugs can be nephrotoxic and ototoxic.
This drug treats C. diff and protozoa and can make urine dark.
What is metronidazole?
Rationale: Metronidazole is used for anaerobes and protozoa and darkens urine.
This NRTI is used in pregnancy to reduce HIV spread to the baby.
What is zidovudine?
Rationale: Zidovudine helps lower transmission from mother to child.
MIC stands for this and tells us the lowest dose that stops growth.
What is minimum inhibitory concentration?
Rationale: MIC is the smallest amount of drug that stops bacteria from growing.
Carbapenems like meropenem are saved for what kind of infections?
A: What are very serious or resistant infections?
Rationale: They are very broad‑spectrum and should be preserved to limit resistance.
TMP‑SMX (Bactrim) blocks bacteria from making which vitamin?
What is folic acid?
Rationale: Bacteria need folic acid to make DNA and protein
Amphotericin B is used for what type of infection?
What are serious systemic fungal infections?
Rationale: It is a strong antifungal with many side effects, including kidney damage.
Protease inhibitors can make this birth control method less effective.
What are oral contraceptive pills?
Rationale: PIs change hormone levels, so backup contraception is needed
Name two host (patient) factors that can change which antibiotic or dose is chosen.
What are immune status and kidney or liver function?
Rationale: Weak immunity and poor kidney/liver function change drug choice and dosing to avoid toxicity and failure.
Name one serious adverse effect of cephalosporins like ceftriaxone that nurses must watch for besides allergy.
What is bleeding tendency or pseudomembranous colitis?
Rationale: Some cephalosporins can increase bleeding risk and cause C. diff–associated colitis.
Nitrofurantoin is used for lower UTIs. Name one major reason it should not be used in older adults with poor kidneys.
What is increased toxicity due to decreased drug excretion?
Rationale: Impaired renal function reduces clearance, raising drug levels and toxicity.
Rifampin is used for TB. Name one key patient teaching point related to body fluids or lab monitoring.
What is “it can turn body fluids orange and requires liver function monitoring”?
Rationale: Rifampin discolors tears/urine and can cause hepatotoxicity, so labs and teaching are essential
Why is strict adherence (no missed doses) so important with antiretroviral therapy for HIV?
What is to prevent drug resistance and treatment failure?
Rationale: Missed doses allow the virus to mutate, making the drugs less effective.