Which of the following drugs inhibit bacterial beta-lactamase?
goldenseal
ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
penicillin
Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam)
The Correct Answer is D
A.Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is a plant commonly used in herbal medicine, but it is not a drug that specifically inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase. While goldenseal may have antimicrobial properties, it is not typically used as a beta-lactamase inhibitor in the treatment of bacterial infections.
B. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin):
Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. While it is an effective antibiotic for treating a wide range of bacterial infections, it does not have beta-lactamase inhibitor properties. Instead, ceftriaxone is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by certain bacteria.
C. Penicillin:
Penicillin is one of the earliest discovered and most widely used beta-lactam antibiotics. However, many bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin by producing beta-lactamase enzymes. Penicillin itself does not inhibit beta-lactamase; instead, it is often combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors to enhance its effectiveness against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
D. Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam):
Zosyn is a combination antibiotic containing piperacillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Tazobactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria, allowing piperacillin to exert its antibacterial effects without being degraded by beta-lactamase. Therefore, Zosyn is the correct answer as it contains a drug that inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Kanamycin (Kantrex):
Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, but it is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for MRSA infections. Aminoglycosides are not typically preferred for treating MRSA because they are not as effective against these resistant bacteria compared to other agents like vancomycin.
B. Vancomycin:
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic and is considered the drug of choice for the treatment of MRSA infections, including serious bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections. It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, including MRSA.
C. Streptomycin:
Streptomycin is another aminoglycoside antibiotic, similar to kanamycin. Like kanamycin, streptomycin is not typically used as a first-line treatment for MRSA infections because it is less effective against resistant strains compared to other agents like vancomycin.
D. Penicillin:
Penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics are ineffective against MRSA because MRSA is resistant to these antibiotics, including methicillin. Therefore, penicillin would not be an appropriate choice for treating MRSA infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Headaches:
Headaches are a common symptom that can occur for various reasons, including stress, tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medications. While headaches can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain drugs, they are not specific indicators of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.
B. Hives or shortness of breath:
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can occur as an allergic reaction to medications. They are a common manifestation of drug allergies. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur as part of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Both hives and shortness of breath are significant signs of a potential drug allergy and require immediate attention.
C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of medications, including antibiotics. However, it is not typically a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disturbances or as a reaction to changes in gut flora due to antibiotic use.
D. Nausea:
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. While it can be bothersome, nausea alone is not a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

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