After teaching a group of nursing students about the action of sulfonamides, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students state that the action of this class of drugs is primarily which of the following?
Bacteriostatic.
Bactericidal.
Promotor of folic acid activity.
Bacterial cell metabolizer.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Bacteriostatic. Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics that work primarily as bacteriostatic agents. They inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria by blocking the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial DNA and RNA synthesis. By slowing down bacterial growth, sulfonamides give the body's immune system a chance to eliminate the bacteria. Bacteriostatic antibiotics do not directly kill bacteria but rather impede their ability to multiply. This action is a key characteristic of sulfonamides.
Choice B rationale:
Bactericidal. Sulfonamides are not primarily bactericidal. Bactericidal antibiotics directly kill bacteria by disrupting their cell walls, protein synthesis, or other essential processes. Sulfonamides do not have this direct killing effect. They work by inhibiting folic acid synthesis and, as a result, slowing down bacterial growth. While this can eventually lead to bacterial death, the primary action of sulfonamides is bacteriostatic.
Choice C rationale:
Promotor of folic acid activity. This choice is not accurate. Sulfonamides do not promote folic acid activity; rather, they inhibit it. Sulfonamides are structural analogs of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a precursor necessary for folic acid synthesis in bacteria. By competing with PABA, sulfonamides disrupt folic acid production in bacteria, ultimately leading to growth inhibition. Therefore, they are not promoters of folic acid activity.
Choice D rationale:
Bacterial cell metabolizer. Sulfonamides do not metabolize bacterial cells. Instead, they interfere with bacterial metabolism by blocking the synthesis of folic acid. This disruption affects the DNA and RNA synthesis of bacteria, which rely on folic acid derivatives. The primary action of sulfonamides is to inhibit this metabolic pathway, not to metabolize bacterial cells.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sulfonamides can increase the risk of crystalluria, which may lead to kidney stones. Adequate fluid intake can help dilute the urine and reduce the risk of crystalluria and kidney stone formation. This is a relevant and appropriate response by the nurse.
Choice B rationale:
Sulfonamides can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. However, increasing fluid intake is primarily to prevent kidney stone formation, not a reaction to sunlight.
Choice C rationale:
While maintaining adequate hydration does help prevent dehydration, this answer does not directly address the potential side effects or risks associated with sulfonamide use. It is a bit too general and doesn't provide specific information related to the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Sulfonamides can affect blood counts in some cases, but maintaining adequate fluid intake is not primarily related to preventing low blood counts. It's more about mitigating the specific side effects associated with sulfonamide use, such as crystalluria and kidney stones.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring for the appearance of adverse reactions is a crucial aspect of managing a patient with TB undergoing treatment. TB medications can have side effects, and early detection of adverse reactions is essential for timely intervention. Some common adverse effects of TB drugs include hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. By closely monitoring the patient, the nurse can ensure prompt action if these side effects occur, improving the patient's overall care and safety.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the patient's vital signs every 24 hours may be part of standard nursing care, but when managing a patient with TB, the primary focus should be on monitoring for adverse reactions to the TB medications. Vital signs are important but not the most critical aspect of care in this specific situation.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the patient's history of contacts is essential for identifying potential sources of TB transmission. However, it is more related to the initial assessment and diagnosis of TB rather than ongoing assessment during treatment. The primary focus during treatment is monitoring the patient's response to medication and any adverse reactions.
Choice D rationale:
Using Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to administer TB drugs is a standard practice to ensure treatment adherence. However, ongoing assessment should focus on monitoring for adverse reactions and treatment effectiveness rather than the administration method, which is usually established at the beginning of treatment.
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