A nurse is teaching a nursing student what is meant by "generations" of cephalosporins. Which statement by the student indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Ototoxicity and Nephrotoxicity:
Ototoxicity: Aminoglycosides can damage the inner ear structures, leading to hearing loss and balance issues.
Nephrotoxicity: These drugs can harm the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Monitoring kidney function is crucial to prevent renal damage.

B. Ototoxicity and Cardiotoxicity:
Ototoxicity: As mentioned above, aminoglycosides can damage the inner ear, affecting hearing and balance.
Cardiotoxicity: Aminoglycosides primarily affect the ears and kidneys; they do not directly target the heart. Cardiotoxicity is not a common side effect associated with aminoglycosides.

C. Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity:
Hepatotoxicity: This term refers to liver damage caused by drugs or toxins. Aminoglycosides are not known to cause liver problems; their primary concern is kidney damage.
Nephrotoxicity: As mentioned earlier, aminoglycosides can harm the kidneys, which is a well-known side effect.

D. Cardiotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity:
Cardiotoxicity: This term refers to the toxic effects on the heart, leading to various heart-related issues. Aminoglycosides do not primarily affect the heart; their main concerns are the ears (ototoxicity) and kidneys (nephrotoxicity).
Hepatotoxicity: Aminoglycosides are not typically associated with liver damage. They are primarily metabolized and excreted by the kidneys, which is why kidney monitoring is crucial during their use.

A. "Cephalosporins are assigned to generations based on their relative costs to administer."
This statement is incorrect. The classification of cephalosporins into generations is based on their antimicrobial spectrum and activity against specific bacteria, not their cost.

B. "Later generations of cephalosporins have lower resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases."
This statement is not accurate. In fact, later generations of cephalosporins have increased resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases, which are enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down certain antibiotics.

C. "Cephalosporins have increased activity against gram-negative bacteria with each new generation."
This statement is correct. Cephalosporins are grouped into generations (first to fifth) based on their antibacterial spectrum. As the generations progress, there is an increase in activity against gram-negative bacteria, among other improvements in their spectrum.

D. "First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration of the cerebrospinal fluid."
This statement is generally true. First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid, making them useful for treating certain central nervous system infections.