A client has been prescribed an antibiotic and overhears the prescriber talking about acquired resistance. The client asks the nurse what this means. What is the nurse's best statement regarding acquired resistance?

A. "Are you having any difficulty breathing?":

Difficulty breathing is a critical symptom that may indicate a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. It is essential to assess for difficulty breathing immediately as it requires urgent intervention to ensure the patient's airway is clear and to administer appropriate treatment.

B. "Have you noticed any blood in your stool?":

While blood in the stool could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, it is not typically associated with allergic reactions to antibiotics. This symptom is more commonly associated with other conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease. While important to assess, it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty breathing in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.

C. "Are you having difficulty with your hearing?":

Difficulty with hearing is not a common symptom of allergic reactions to antibiotics. It may be associated with other conditions such as ear infections or ototoxicity from certain medications. While it is important to assess any changes in hearing, it is not typically an immediate concern in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.

D. "Do you have a headache?":

Headaches are a common symptom that can occur for various reasons, including stress, tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medications. While headaches can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain drugs, they are not typically associated with severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Therefore, while it is important to assess for headaches, it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty breathing in the context of a suspected allergic reaction.

A. Kanamycin (Kantrex):

Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, but it is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for MRSA infections. Aminoglycosides are not typically preferred for treating MRSA because they are not as effective against these resistant bacteria compared to other agents like vancomycin.

B. Vancomycin:

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic and is considered the drug of choice for the treatment of MRSA infections, including serious bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections. It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, including MRSA.

C. Streptomycin:

Streptomycin is another aminoglycoside antibiotic, similar to kanamycin. Like kanamycin, streptomycin is not typically used as a first-line treatment for MRSA infections because it is less effective against resistant strains compared to other agents like vancomycin.

D. Penicillin:

Penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics are ineffective against MRSA because MRSA is resistant to these antibiotics, including methicillin. Therefore, penicillin would not be an appropriate choice for treating MRSA infections.