Infectious disease proves to be among the more challenging fields of medical practice based largely on the abundance of pathogens and antibiotics used to treat them. Show
Antibiotic Classes NCLEX® Pharmacology Review Practice Questions {{question_current_index+1}}/{{question_max_index+1}} QUESTIONS TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE {{question_current_index+1}}/{{question_max_index+1}} QUESTIONS OverviewLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec non tellus ut sem commodo blandit. Suspendisse nisi orci, pellentesque faucibus dolor ut, aliquam iaculis est. Learning OutcomesSed at turpis sit amet urna malesuada fermentum. Nulla convallis vehicula lobortis. Quisque dictum mauris sed tincidunt congue. Duis finibus turpis massa, sit amet porttitor est dignissim vel. Integer rhoncus sollicitudin ligula, ut feugiat dolor interdum at. Nulla sit amet odio a erat ultricies vestibulum. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur tristique metus sed dapibus fringilla. Sed hendrerit viverra leo, ut consectetur metus mollis vel. Morbi ultricies nibh eu bibendum dignissim. Other 0% 0% RationalesTest Taking TipsIn the year 1928, a researcher named Sir Alexander Fleming was studying petri dishes inoculated with colonies of
Staphylococcus. He discovered that one of his dishes featured a blob of mold that appeared to resist the growth of the microbes. This mold was identified as Penicillium notatum – an organism secreting a substance that inhibited the growth of bacteria. From this point forward, the world would never be the same as Fleming had come across a lab accident that would soon lead to the creation of penicillin. Multiple classes of antibiotics are used commonly in practice today –
contributing to a vast spectrum of potency and adverse effect profiles. This NCLEX® Pharmacology Review of Antibiotics will help to develop a firm grasp of the drug classes as well as commonly used medications as they play a key role in daily practice. Indications for AntibioticsSince the inception of penicillin researchers have developed many different drugs of various mechanisms. Penicillin and like antibiotics feature a beta-lactam structure disrupts the stability of bacterial cell walls leading to its antibacterial properties. Various penicillins like amoxicillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin were created which closely relate to penicillin specifically. From there, cephalosporins were derived which exhibit broader antibacterial properties. It’s imperative to understand that certain antibiotics are more effective against specific microbes than others. Bacteria are classified based on gram stains which determine properties like gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Vancomycin for example, is an antibiotic that exhibits strong antibacterial properties against gram-positive organisms – where penicillins and cephalosporins often have more mixed gram-negative and gram-positive killing ability. Are you Refer to the chart below to see a list of
common indications for specific antibiotic classes: Among some of the first types of antibiotics, this class features drugs like penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and methicillin. Over-time it became evident that many pathogens would develop resistance to these medications which helped contribute to the creation of penicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors which are equipped with the ability to fight bacterial resistance mechanisms. Modeled off penicillins
– cephalosporins have become among the most common antibiotics used today in various settings. There are currently five generations of cephalosporins that are classified based on their spectrum of activity. Semisynthetic antibiotics derived from a structure found in a common soil mold. Main examples include minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline. Amy Stricklen During my exam, I could literally see and hear him going over different areas as I was answering my questions. This past Friday I retook my Maternity Hesi and this time, I decided for my last week of Holiday break to just watch all of his OB videos. I am proud to say that with Mike’s help I received a score of 928 on my Maternity Hesi! Amy Stricklen This class of medications is often prescribed as an adjunctive therapy with other antibiotics. Examples includes erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.
FluroquinolonesVery broad-spectrum antibiotics capable of treating a wide array of infections. However, increasing safety concerns regarding adverse effects in elderly may discourage use of these medications. Examples of these medications includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and ofloxacin (Floxin).
AminoglycosidesThese medications exhibit profound nephrotoxic and ototoxic properties which limits its use in practice to more severe infections. Examples include tobramycin, gentamicin, neomycin, and amikacin.
VancomycinA very commonly used medication prescribed empirically for the treatment of a variety of infections – especially those that are suspected to be gram-positive or containing MRSA. Vancomycin is like aminoglycosides in adverse effects and dosing. This medication is often dosed based on the measurement of trough vancomycin concentrations in the serum.
SulfonamidesUsed to be a highly utilized class of antibiotics but has fallen out of favor due to higher risk of hypersensitivity as well as a less favorable adverse effect profile. The primary example in use is sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim (Bactrim).
Infectious disease proves to be among the most challenging fields to understand when practicing in the medical field. This review hopefully serves as a good overview of the many drugs and disease states that will be encountered frequently in practice. Below is a list of key nursing interventions to keep in mind when practicing in this field. Another core concept to infectious disease involves antibiotic resistance. Resistance is a growing concern in the microbiological world as bacteria have been repeatedly found to demonstrate the capacity to develop mechanisms which fight back against antibiotics. This is especially true for penicillins with microbes that develop the ability to destroy the antibiotic before it can reach its target. For this reason, it is crucial that practitioners understand that under dosing or
overusing antibiotics can lead to resistance. This limits the selection of antibiotic agents that will therefore be effective against specific pathogens like MRSA which is a highly resistant strain of Staphylococcus bacteria. The field of infectious disease is vast and complex – yet continues to grow and expand in ways that will continue to influence medical practice for years to come. There is a lot to know and understand when it comes to
antibiotics and the various disease states used to treat them. Initially the level of information to know for this subject may appear daunting but over-time it should become more familiar, especially with practice. Before administering antibiotics there are many different interventions nurses can make to ensure the safety of their clients. Screening for allergies, kidney function, pregnancy status, and for the specific microbials selected for the infection are all key interventions for
medical teams to implement into their daily practice. It is imperative to have a general understanding of the various classes and nursing considerations to help prepare for the NCLEX® exam and for future practice. How does penicillin work to destroy bacteria?Penicillin works best on gram-positive bacteria by inhibiting peptidoglycan production, making the cells leaky and fragile. The cells burst open and are much easier for the immune system to break down, which helps the sick person heal more quickly.
What are 3 potential adverse effects on patients from antibiotic use?a raised, itchy skin rash (urticaria, or hives) coughing. wheezing. tightness of the throat, which can cause breathing difficulties.
Which type of allergic reaction occurs more frequently with penicillin than any other drug?Hypersensitivity reactions are the major problem in the use of penicillins. True penicillin allergy is rare with the estimated frequency of anaphylaxis at 1-5 per 10 000 cases of penicillin therapy.
What conditions can be treated with penicillin?Penicillin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and endocarditis.
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