Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

NUR1142 > Module 9 12 Part 6 > Flashcards

Module 9 12 Part 6 Flashcards

1
Q

Q: What is necessary to ensure the success of antimicrobial therapy in treating an infection?

A

Adequate drug concentration at the infection site is essential for success.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Q: How should dosages be adjusted for antibiotics used in infection treatment?

A

Dosages should be adjusted to achieve drug concentrations equal to or greater than the MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) for the specific infection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Q: What is the ideal range of drug levels concerning the MIC for effective infection treatment?

A

Having drug levels 4 to 8 times the MIC is often desirable for successful treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Q: What factors influence the duration of antimicrobial therapy for an infection?

A

The duration depends on variables like the patient’s host defenses, the site of the infection, and the identity of the infecting organism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Q: Why is it crucial for patients to complete their full course of antibiotics?

A

Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential to prevent recurrent infections and the development of more drug-resistant organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Q: What should patients do even if their symptoms improve before the antibiotic course ends?

A

Patients should continue taking the antibiotics for the entire prescribed duration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Q: What can happen if patients discontinue antibiotics prematurely?

A

Early discontinuation is a common cause of recurrent infection, and the organisms responsible for relapse are likely to be more drug-resistant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Q: Why is it important to educate patients about finishing their prescribed antibiotic course?

A

Educating patients about finishing their prescribed antibiotic course is important to ensure proper treatment and avoid the development of drug resistance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Q: When is combination antibiotic therapy considered appropriate?

A

Combination antibiotic therapy is considered appropriate in specific situations, particularly when it has the potential to be lifesaving.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Q: Should the routine use of two or more antibiotics be encouraged?

A

No, the routine use of multiple antibiotics should be discouraged.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Q: What is the usual approach when an infection is caused by a single, identified microbe?

A

When a single microbe is responsible for an infection, the usual approach is to treat it with a single appropriate antibiotic.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Q: What is an additive response in combination antibiotic therapy?

A

An additive response occurs when the combined antimicrobial effect of two antibiotics equals the sum of their individual effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Q: What is a potentiative (synergistic) interaction in antibiotic combination therapy?

A

A potentiative interaction happens when the effect of the antibiotic combination is greater than the sum of the effects of the individual drugs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Q: Can you provide an example of a classic potentiative interaction with antibiotics?

A

Trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole is a classic example of a potentiative interaction as they inhibit sequential steps in the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Q: What is antagonism in combination antibiotic therapy?

A

Antagonism occurs when a combination of two antibiotics is less effective than one of the agents used alone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Q: When is antagonism most likely to occur in antibiotic combination therapy?

A

Antagonism is most likely when a bacteriostatic antibiotic, like tetracycline, is combined with a bactericidal drug, such as penicillin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Q: Why does antagonism happen when combining a bacteriostatic and a bactericidal antibiotic?

A

Bactericidal drugs are effective against actively growing bacteria, and the presence of a bacteriostatic drug can suppress bacterial growth, reducing the effectiveness of the bactericidal drug.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Q: What are the consequences of antagonism between antibiotics when host defenses are compromised?

A

When host defenses are compromised, antagonism between antibiotics can have dire consequences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Q: When is it common to use multiple antibiotics in severe infections?

A

Multiple antibiotics are commonly used for the initial treatment of severe infections of unknown cause, particularly in individuals with neutropenia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Q: Why is broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage used in these situations?

A

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used because the specific infecting organism is unknown, and this approach covers a wide range of potential pathogens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Q: How is the scope of broad coverage determined in antibiotic therapy for severe infections?

A

The extent of broad coverage depends on the clinician’s ability to narrow down potential pathogens based on clinical evaluation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Q: When can drug selection be adjusted in this context?

A

Drug selection can be adjusted once the identity of the infecting microbe is known.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Q: What is the importance of obtaining samples for culture before starting drug therapy in severe infections?

A

It is crucial to obtain samples for culture before initiating drug therapy to accurately identify the infecting organism and guide antibiotic treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Q: Can infections be caused by multiple types of microorganisms?

A

Yes, infections can be caused by more than one microbial species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q: In what situations is it common to find infections with multiple microbial species?
Such infections are commonly seen in brain abscesses, pelvic infections, and infections resulting from the perforation of abdominal organs.
26
Q: Why might treatment with more than one antibiotic be required in such cases?
Treatment with multiple antibiotics may be necessary when the involved microbial species differ in their susceptibility to antibiotics.
27
Q: Is tuberculosis one of the exceptions where combination therapy with multiple antibiotics is used?
Yes, tuberculosis is an exceptional case where combination therapy is intentionally employed.
28
Q: What is the primary purpose of using combination therapy for tuberculosis?
The main aim of combination therapy in tuberculosis is to prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
29
Q: Where can you find more information about why tuberculosis differs in its approach to combination therapy compared to other infections?
You can find a detailed explanation in Chapter 77 of the source material.
30
Q: In what situations can combining antibiotics be beneficial for reducing toxicity to the host?
Combining antibiotics can be useful when trying to reduce toxicity to the host in certain cases.
31
Q: Can you provide an example of such a situation where antibiotic combination reduces host toxicity?
In the treatment of fungal meningitis, combining flucytosine with amphotericin B is used for this purpose.
32
Q: What is the primary goal of using this antibiotic combination in fungal meningitis treatment?
The goal is to reduce the risk of kidney damage by allowing for a lower dosage of amphotericin B.
33
Q: In what specific infections can combining antibiotics result in a stronger antibacterial effect?
Antibiotic combinations can have greater antibacterial action in particular infections.
34
Q: What's an example of such an infection where antibiotic combination is more effective?
Enterococcal endocarditis is an example where penicillin and an aminoglycoside are combined for enhanced efficacy.
35
Q: How does this combination work to achieve stronger antibacterial action?
Penicillin weakens the bacterial cell wall, which helps the aminoglycoside penetrate the bacterial cell more effectively, thus enhancing antibacterial action.
36
Q: What is one drawback of using multiple antibiotics?
A: One drawback is an increased risk for toxic and allergic reactions.
37
Q: How can combining antibiotics affect their antimicrobial effects?
A: Combining antibiotics may lead to possible antagonism, where the drugs work against each other, reducing their effectiveness.
38
Q: What is the potential risk associated with using multiple antibiotics regarding infections?
A: Using multiple antibiotics can increase the risk of superinfections, which are new infections that occur due to disruptions in the body's microbial balance.
39
Q: Why is the selection of drug-resistant bacteria a concern when using multiple antibiotics?
A: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, especially in combination, can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
40
Q: What is another downside of using multiple antibiotics?
A: Another drawback is the increased cost, as using multiple antibiotics can be more expensive than a single agent.
41
Q: What percentage of antibiotics in the United States are used for prophylaxis purposes?
A: Between 30% and 50% of antibiotics in the United States are used for prophylaxis.
42
Q: What is the primary aim of administering antibiotics for prophylaxis?
A: Antibiotics are given for prophylaxis to prevent infections from occurring, rather than to treat established infections.
43
Q: How should healthcare providers approach the decision to administer antimicrobial prophylaxis?
A: Healthcare providers should carefully weigh the potential benefits of prophylaxis against the risks, which include toxicity, allergic reactions, superinfection, and the selection of drug-resistant organisms.
44
Q: What are "generally approved indications" for antimicrobial prophylaxis?
A: Generally approved indications refer to specific situations where antimicrobial prophylaxis is considered both appropriate and effective, and these guidelines help healthcare providers make decisions about prophylactic use.
45
Q: In which types of surgery has the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use been established?
A: Prophylactic antibiotic use has been documented as effective in cardiac surgery, peripheral vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, gastrointestinal tract surgery (stomach, duodenum, colon, rectum, and appendix), hysterectomy, and emergency cesarean sections.
46
Q: What is the risk for infection in "contaminated surgery," and how are antibiotics used in such cases?
A: Contaminated surgery, which includes operations on perforated abdominal organs, compound fractures, or wounds from animal bites, carries a very high risk of infection, nearly 100%. In such cases, antibiotics are used as treatment, not just for prevention.
47
Q: When should antibiotics be administered for surgical prophylaxis, and when might additional doses be necessary?
A: Antibiotics for prophylaxis should be given before surgery, and in lengthy procedures, additional doses during surgery may be indicated. Generally, postoperative antibiotics are not needed.
48
Q: What type of antibiotic is typically used for prophylaxis in most surgical operations?
A: For most surgical procedures, a first-generation cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, is considered sufficient for prophylactic use.
49
Q: Who is unusually susceptible to bacterial endocarditis and why?
A: Individuals with congenital or valvular heart disease and those with prosthetic heart valves are at increased risk of bacterial endocarditis because it can develop after dental and medical procedures that release bacteria into the bloodstream.
50
Q: What is the purpose of prophylactic antimicrobial medication in these individuals?
A: Prophylactic antimicrobial medication is used to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis in at-risk patients before they undergo dental and medical procedures.
51
Q: What is the change in the American Heart Association's guidelines regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis?
A: The updated guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis much less frequently than in the past for individuals at risk of bacterial endocarditis, such as those with heart disease or prosthetic heart valves.
52
Q: Why are individuals with severe neutropenia at high risk for infections?
A: Severe neutropenia leaves individuals with a weakened immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections.
53
Q: How can antibiotic prophylaxis benefit neutropenic patients?
A: Antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the occurrence of bacterial infections in individuals with severe neutropenia.
54
Q: What is the downside of antibiotic prophylaxis in these patients regarding fungal infections?
A: Antibiotic prophylaxis might inadvertently increase the risk of fungal infections by disrupting the normal flora that helps suppress fungal growth in the body.
55
Q: How should healthcare providers weigh the benefits and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic patients?
A: Healthcare providers need to carefully consider the potential benefits of reducing bacterial infections against the risk of encouraging fungal infections when deciding whether to use antibiotic prophylaxis in individuals with severe neutropenia.
56
Q: How can recurrent urinary tract infections in young women be managed with prophylaxis?
A: Prophylaxis with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole may be helpful in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in young women.
57
Q: What is oseltamivir used for in terms of prophylaxis?
A: Oseltamivir, an antiviral agent, can be used for prophylaxis to prevent influenza.
58
Q: Who might require lifelong antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent recurrence of severe rheumatic endocarditis?
A: Individuals who have had severe rheumatic endocarditis may need lifelong prophylaxis to prevent the condition from recurring.
59
Q: When is antimicrobial prophylaxis indicated with regard to sexually transmitted diseases?
A: Antimicrobial prophylaxis is indicated after exposure to organisms responsible for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
60
Q: What is one of the most common forms of antibiotic misuse, and how does it contribute to resistance?
A: Over-prescription is a common form of antibiotic misuse. It involves prescribing antibiotics for conditions not caused by bacteria, such as viral infections, contributing to antibiotic resistance.
61
Q: How can inappropriate use of antibiotics lead to resistance?
A: Inappropriate use of antibiotics includes prescribing the wrong type of antibiotic, incorrect dosages, or incorrect choices. When used inappropriately, antibiotics may not effectively treat infections, leading to treatment failure and resistance.
62
Q: Why is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics, and what can happen if you don't?
A: It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the infection. If the full course isn't completed, the infection may not be fully treated, and antibiotic resistance may develop.
63
Q: What are the risks associated with self-prescribing antibiotics or sharing them with others?
A: Self-prescribing antibiotics or sharing them with others can lead to inadequate treatment and resistance development.
64
Q: How does agricultural use of antibiotics contribute to antibiotic resistance?
A: Antibiotics used in agriculture to promote livestock growth can contribute to antibiotic resistance when these antibiotics enter the food chain.
65
Q: Why are drug therapies for viral infections like mumps, chickenpox, and the common cold ineffective?
A: Most viral infections do not respond to currently available drugs, rendering drug therapy ineffective.
66
Q: What is the outcome of attempting drug therapy for viral infections?
A: Attempting drug therapy for viral infections exposes patients to the risks associated with medications but does not offer any chance of receiving benefits because the drugs do not work against viruses.
67
Q: Why is the use of antibiotics for acute upper respiratory tract infections concerning?
A: Antibiotics are often used for acute upper respiratory tract infections, but the chances of benefiting from this treatment are low, and patients are exposed to substantial risks.
68
Q: How likely is it that a patient will benefit from antibiotics when used for respiratory infections?
A: When antibiotics are used for respiratory infections, only 1 in 4000 patients is likely to benefit in any way.
69
Q: What are some of the risks associated with using antibiotics for respiratory infections?
A: The risks of using antibiotics for respiratory infections include diarrhea (1 in 4 patients), rash (1 in 50 patients), and the need to visit an emergency department due to a severe allergic reaction (1 in 1000 patients).
70
Q: What can fever signify besides infection?
A: Fever can also be a symptom of other non-infectious diseases like hepatitis, arthritis, and cancer.
71
Q: Why should antibiotics not be used for fever unless the cause is a proven infection?
A: Using antibiotics for non-infectious fever is inappropriate, can expose the patient to unnecessary toxicity, and delay the correct diagnosis of the fever's cause.
72
Q: What is the potential consequence of using antibiotics for a fever caused by infection?
A: Antibiotics used for an infection-related fever can hamper later attempts to identify the infecting organism.
73
Q: When is it appropriate to use antibiotics for fever as the sole symptom?
A: Antibiotics may be considered when fever is the only symptom in severely immunocompromised individuals.
74
Q: Why are severely immunocompromised hosts at greater risk of infections?
A: Severely immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to infections due to their weakened immune systems.
75
Q: Why are antibiotics administered when fever is the only indication in immunocompromised patients?
A: Antibiotics are given because fever may signal an infection, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals.
76
Q: Why is it important to use the correct dosage of antibiotics?
A: Using the right dosage ensures effective and safe treatment.
77
Q: What risks are associated with a dosage that is too low?
A: A low dosage can lead to adverse effects without effectively treating the infection.
78
Q: What risks are associated with a dosage that is too high?
A: An excessively high dosage can increase the risk of superinfection and adverse effects unnecessarily.
79
Q: What is necessary for effective antimicrobial therapy?
A: Knowledge of the infecting organism's identity and drug sensitivity is essential.
80
Q: When should therapy not be initiated without bacteriologic information?
A: In non-life-threatening situations, therapy should not be undertaken without this information.
81
Q: Is this guideline often ignored in clinical practice?
A: Unfortunately, yes, it is frequently disregarded.
82
Q: What challenges can compromise the efficacy of antibiotics in treating infections?
A: Presence of foreign material, necrotic tissue, or exudate.
83
Q: What should be done to enhance antibiotic effectiveness in such cases?
A: Surgical drainage and cleansing may be necessary when appropriate.
84
Q: What determines how often antimicrobial therapy is monitored?
A: The severity of the infection determines the frequency of monitoring antimicrobial therapy.
85
Q: How can you tell if antimicrobial therapy is successful based on clinical indicators?
A: Clinical improvement, such as reduced fever and resolution of symptoms related to the affected organ system, indicates the success of therapy.
86
Q: Why are serum drug levels monitored during treatment?
A: Serum drug levels are monitored to ensure that drug levels are sufficient for effectiveness and to prevent toxicity.
87
Q: How is the success of antimicrobial therapy often determined through laboratory tests?
A: The success of therapy is often indicated by the disappearance of infectious organisms from posttreatment cultures.

NUR1142 (112 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions