A nursing student asks the nursing instructor about the mechanism of the bacteriostatic action of tetracycline. Which explanation is correct?
"Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
"Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
"Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
"Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
Explanation: Tetracycline antibiotics interfere with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosomes. This binding prevents the attachment of transfer RNA (tRNA) to the messenger RNA (mRNA) complex, effectively inhibiting the production of proteins that are crucial for bacterial growth and replication.
B. "Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline primarily affects protein synthesis, not RNA synthesis. It doesn't block the creation of RNA molecules in bacteria.
C. "Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline antibiotics do not target bacterial cell walls. Agents like penicillins and cephalosporins are examples of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell walls.
D. "Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline does bind to certain metal ions, but it's not primarily through magnesium ions. The binding to bacterial ribosomes is a key mechanism of action for tetracyclines.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bactericidal and bacteriostatic are used interchangeably.
This statement is incorrect. Bactericidal and bacteriostatic have distinct meanings in pharmacology and microbiology. Bactericidal means the drug kills bacteria, whereas bacteriostatic means the drug inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them.
B. Bactericidal drugs are directly lethal to bacteria, and bacteriostatic drugs work to slow bacterial growth but do not cause cell death.
This statement is correct. Bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria, leading to their death. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit the growth of bacteria without causing their immediate death. Both types of drugs play different roles in the treatment of bacterial infections.
C. Bacteriostatic drugs are directly lethal to bacteria, and bactericidal drugs work to slow bacterial growth but do not cause cell death.
This statement is incorrect. It confuses the roles of bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs. Bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth without immediate cell death.
D. A bactericidal drug can cause death to the host, whereas a bacteriostatic drug only affects bacteria.
This statement is incorrect. Both bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs primarily affect bacteria, not the host. The difference lies in how they affect bacteria: bactericidal drugs kill bacteria directly, and bacteriostatic drugs inhibit their growth.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antibiotics are prescribed according to culture and sensitivity reports:
When antibiotics are prescribed based on specific tests like cultures and sensitivity reports, it ensures that the right antibiotic is chosen for the specific bacteria causing the infection. This practice helps in targeting the infection more effectively, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
B. Patients stop taking an antibiotic after they feel better:
This scenario is problematic. When patients start feeling better, they might assume the infection is completely gone and stop taking antibiotics before the prescribed course is finished. This premature discontinuation can leave some bacteria alive, which may develop resistance to the antibiotic used. This practice is a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance.
C. Antibiotics are taken with ascorbic acid (vitamin C):
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) doesn't have a significant impact on antibiotic resistance. It is not a factor contributing to antibiotic resistance.
D. Antibiotics are taken with water or juice:
Whether antibiotics are taken with water or juice doesn’t directly influence antibiotic resistance. Proper hydration is essential to support the body's overall health, but it doesn't impact the development of antibiotic resistance.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today