The nurse is preparing to use an antiseptic. Which statement is correct regarding how antiseptics differ from disinfectants?
Disinfectants are used only on nonliving objects to destroy organisms.
Antiseptics are used to sterilize surgical equipment.
Disinfectants are used as preoperative skin preparation.
Antiseptics are used only on living tissue to kill microorganisms.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Disinfectants are chemical agents used on nonliving surfaces, like countertops, to kill microorganisms. They are too harsh for living tissue, unlike antiseptics, which are applied to skin or mucous membranes to reduce microbial load without causing tissue damage, making this correct.
Choice B reason: Antiseptics are not used to sterilize surgical equipment. Sterilization requires disinfectants or autoclaving to eliminate all microorganisms, including spores, on inanimate objects. Antiseptics are applied to living tissue, like skin, for microbial reduction, making this statement incorrect.
Choice C reason: Disinfectants are not used for preoperative skin preparation. Antiseptics, like chlorhexidine, are used on skin to reduce microbial load before surgery. Disinfectants are for nonliving surfaces, as they may harm tissue, making this an incorrect description of their use.
Choice D reason: Antiseptics reduce, not necessarily kill, microorganisms on living tissue. They are designed to be safe for skin or mucous membranes, unlike disinfectants, which are harsher. While antiseptics target microbes, complete killing is not guaranteed, making this statement partially inaccurate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tetracyclines, like doxycycline, cause photosensitivity by forming phototoxic compounds under UV light, leading to severe sunburn or rashes. Avoiding sunlight and tanning beds prevents skin damage, as tetracycline’s protein synthesis inhibition does not mitigate its phototoxic effects, making this the correct instruction.
Choice B reason: Taking tetracycline only until feeling better is incorrect, as incomplete treatment promotes bacterial resistance. Tetracyclines require a full course to eradicate infection, preventing survival of resistant mutants, which could worsen infections like acne or respiratory infections, making this an unsafe instruction.
Choice C reason: Milk and cheese reduce, not increase, tetracycline levels by chelating the drug, forming insoluble complexes that decrease absorption. This interaction lowers efficacy, requiring tetracycline to be taken away from dairy, making this statement incorrect for patient education.
Choice D reason: Antacids reduce tetracycline absorption by chelating with divalent cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium), forming insoluble complexes. This decreases efficacy, not gastrointestinal distress. Taking tetracycline away from antacids ensures proper absorption, making this statement incorrect and potentially harmful.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is commonly used for infections like otitis media. It is not associated with tendon rupture, as it lacks the mechanism affecting collagen or connective tissue. Its side effects include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, not musculoskeletal issues.
Choice B reason: Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. It is used for respiratory infections but is not linked to tendon rupture. Its side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and QT prolongation, with no known impact on tendon integrity or collagen metabolism.
Choice C reason: Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is associated with tendon rupture, particularly in the Achilles tendon. It may disrupt collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix integrity, increasing tendon vulnerability, especially in older adults or those on corticosteroids. This rare but serious side effect requires monitoring during therapy.
Choice D reason: Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, inhibits protein synthesis and is used for infections like acne or Lyme disease. While it can cause photosensitivity or gastrointestinal issues, it is not associated with tendon rupture. Its mechanism does not involve collagen disruption, unlike fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin.
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