Which of the following differentiates a bacteriostatic drug from a bactericidal drug?
Bacteriostatics are narrow spectrum drugs and bactericidal drugs are broad spectrum
Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth, and bactericidal drugs actually kill bacteria
Bacteriostatics work by inhibiting protein synthesis and bactericidal drugs work by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis
Bacteriostatic drugs actually kill bacteria and bactericidal drugs inhibit bacterial growth
The Correct Answer is B
A. Bacteriostatics are narrow spectrum drugs, and bactericidal drugs are broad spectrum:
This statement is incorrect. The spectrum of activity (narrow vs. broad) of an antibiotic refers to the range of bacterial species that it can target, not whether it is bacteriostatic or bactericidal.
B. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth, and bactericidal drugs actually kill bacteria:
This statement is correct. Bacteriostatic drugs work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria without directly killing them, whereas bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria.
C. Bacteriostatics work by inhibiting protein synthesis, and bactericidal drugs work by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis:
This statement is incorrect. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs can target various bacterial cellular processes, including protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, cell wall synthesis, and others. The mechanism of action is not a definitive factor in distinguishing between bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs.
D. Bacteriostatic drugs actually kill bacteria, and bactericidal drugs inhibit bacterial growth:
This statement is incorrect. It contradicts the established definitions of bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth without killing the bacteria, while bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ibuprofen:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. There are no significant interactions reported between erythromycin and ibuprofen.
B. Lasix (Furosemide):
Lasix is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. There are no significant interactions reported between erythromycin and furosemide.
C. Lovastatin:
Lovastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. Erythromycin can increase the levels of lovastatin in the blood by inhibiting its metabolism through the CYP3A4 enzyme. This can lead to an increased risk of statin-related side effects, including muscle pain and weakness, and in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis.
D. Lisinopril:
Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. There are no significant interactions reported between erythromycin and lisinopril.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. An infection that is difficult to treat:
This choice describes a challenging infection but does not specifically capture the concept of a superinfection. While superinfections can indeed be difficult to treat, they are defined more specifically as secondary infections that occur due to disruption of the normal microbial flora during the treatment of an initial infection.
B. An infection caused by a weakened immune system:
This choice describes an infection that occurs due to a compromised or weakened immune system, which can indeed increase the risk of developing infections, including superinfections. However, it does not fully encompass the definition of a superinfection, which specifically involves the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens after the disruption of normal microbial flora by antimicrobial treatment.
C. A secondary infection that occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body are killed by the drug:
This choice accurately describes what a superinfection is. It highlights the key concept that a superinfection is a secondary infection that arises when antimicrobial treatment disrupts or kills the normal microbial flora of the body, allowing opportunistic pathogens to overgrow and cause infection.
D. A drug-resistant infection:
This choice describes an infection caused by microorganisms that are resistant to the effects of antimicrobial drugs. While drug resistance is a significant concern in healthcare, it does not specifically define a superinfection. Superinfections can involve drug-resistant microorganisms, but they are not solely characterized by drug resistance; rather, they are secondary infections resulting from the disruption of normal microbial flora during antimicrobial treatment.
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