Antibiotics

Overview

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing the organisms or inhibiting their growth. They are categorized into several classes based on their mechanism of action and chemical structure, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides. Successful therapy requires identifying the causative agent and ensuring the patient completes the entire prescribed course to prevent drug resistance.

Key nursing concepts

• Bactericidal agents kill bacteria while bacteriostatic agents inhibit growth.
• Culture and sensitivity tests identify the specific organism and effective drugs.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics treat many types of bacteria but increase superinfection risk.
• Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are specific to a small group of organisms.
• Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate to survive drug exposure.
• Peak and trough monitoring ensures therapeutic levels and prevents toxicity.

Important nursing considerations

• Assess for history of allergies especially to penicillin or cephalosporins.
• Monitor peak and trough levels for nephrotoxic drugs like vancomycin.
• Observe for signs of superinfection such as oral thrush or vaginal yeast.
• Evaluate renal function by monitoring BUN and creatinine levels.
• Identify and report any signs of anaphylaxis or severe skin rashes immediately.

Patient teaching

• Finish the entire course of medication even if feeling better.
• Use a back-up method of contraception if taking oral birth control.
• Report any symptoms of allergic reaction like hives or difficulty breathing.
• Increase intake of yogurt or probiotics to help maintain normal intestinal flora.

Related practice questions

Real questions from the NursGuru bank, each with the answer and rationale.

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