A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible.
Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present.
Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics
The Correct Answer is D
A. Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed:
This statement is incorrect. When treating MRSA infections, it's essential to prescribe antibiotic dosages that achieve adequate concentrations to effectively combat the resistant bacteria. Suboptimal dosages or inadequate duration of treatment can contribute to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of prescribing appropriate dosages of antibiotics for MRSA infections.
B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible:
This statement is not accurate. While broad-spectrum antibiotics may be effective against a wide range of bacteria, they are not always the preferred choice for treating MRSA infections. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including those commonly used as broad-spectrum agents. Therefore, the treatment of MRSA typically involves antibiotics that are specifically effective against this resistant strain, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or other agents based on susceptibility testing. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client that specific antibiotics effective against MRSA are used, rather than relying solely on broad-spectrum antibiotics.
C. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present:
This statement is incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including those caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold. MRSA is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are indicated for its treatment. However, it's essential to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance. The nurse should educate the client that antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections like MRSA, but they are not appropriate for viral infections.
D. Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics:
This statement is accurate. Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, including high doses, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria like MRSA can acquire resistance mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective, even at high doses. Therefore, it's crucial to use antibiotics judiciously, following appropriate dosing guidelines and duration of treatment, to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. The nurse should include this information in the teaching to emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in the management of MRSA infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. BP 98/62:
A blood pressure of 98/62 mmHg is within the normal range for an adult, although it's slightly lower than the average blood pressure. While monitoring blood pressure is important, this reading doesn't indicate a critical condition and doesn't require immediate intervention.
B. Urticaria:
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, itchy welts. While it can be uncomfortable and may indicate an allergic reaction, it's not immediately life-threatening. However, it does warrant attention and further assessment.
C. Wheezing:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing and can indicate airway obstruction, such as in an allergic reaction or asthma exacerbation. Wheezing can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention to ensure the patient's airway remains open and to administer appropriate treatment.
D. Pulse rate 104/min:
A pulse rate of 104 beats per minute (bpm) is slightly elevated but within the normal range for an adult. While it's important to monitor heart rate, this finding alone doesn't indicate an immediate threat to the patient's life.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Not affected:
This choice suggests that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids does not alter its absorption. However, this is not correct. When ciprofloxacin is taken with antacids containing certain ions (such as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium), the absorption of ciprofloxacin can indeed be affected due to the formation of insoluble complexes, leading to decreased absorption.
B. Delayed:
This choice implies that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids delays its absorption. While it's true that the interaction between ciprofloxacin and certain antacids can alter absorption, the main effect is not typically a delay in absorption but rather a decrease due to the formation of insoluble complexes. Therefore, while "delayed" may somewhat describe the effect, it doesn't fully capture the nature of the interaction.
C. Increased:
This choice suggests that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids increases its absorption. However, this is not accurate. Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium can interfere with the absorption of ciprofloxacin by forming insoluble complexes with the drug, leading to decreased absorption rather than an increase.
D. Decreased:
This choice correctly identifies the effect of taking ciprofloxacin with antacids. When ciprofloxacin is taken concurrently with antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, the absorption of ciprofloxacin is decreased. The ions in the antacids bind with ciprofloxacin in the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble complexes that are poorly absorbed, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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