Anti-infectives: Mechanisms, Spectrum, and Clinical Uses

Question 1

What is a potential adverse effect of penicillin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reactions

Answer

Renal toxicity

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Ototoxicity

Question 2

Which of the following describes the mechanism of action of penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis

Answer

Disrupts bacterial cell membrane

Answer

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis

Answer

Inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis

Question 3

Fluconazole is primarily indicated for treating:

Accepted Answer

Fungal infections

Answer

Bacterial infections

Answer

Viral infections

Answer

Parasitic infections

Question 4

Which antiviral medication is commonly used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir

Answer

Zidovudine

Answer

Tamiflu

Answer

Ivermectin

Question 5

The spectrum of activity of an antibiotic refers to:

Accepted Answer

The range of bacteria susceptible to the antibiotic

Answer

The dose of the antibiotic required for effectiveness

Answer

The side effects associated with the antibiotic

Answer

The route of administration of the antibiotic

Question 6

Empiric antibiotic therapy is appropriate when:

Accepted Answer

The patient is at high risk of infection

Answer

The causative organism is known

Answer

A specific antibiotic has been shown to be effective

Answer

The patient has a history of antibiotic resistance

Question 7

Pharmacokinetics of a drug refers to:

Accepted Answer

Its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

Answer

Its clinical effects

Answer

Its dosage and frequency of administration

Answer

Its potential drug interactions

Question 8

Which of the following is a clinical use of antiparasitic medications?

Accepted Answer

Treating malaria

Answer

Treating bacterial infections

Answer

Treating viral infections

Answer

Treating fungal infections

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action for antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Immunostimulation

Answer

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

Answer

Disruption of protein synthesis

Answer

Alteration of membrane permeability

Question 10

Which of the following antifungal agents is a polyene, binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B

Answer

Fluconazole

Answer

Itraconazole

Answer

Voriconazole

Question 11

Which of the following antivirals is used to treat influenza by inhibiting viral RNA polymerase?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Acyclovir

Answer

Zidovudine

Answer

Lamivudine

Question 12

Which of the following antiparasitic agents is used to treat malaria by inhibiting heme polymerization?

Accepted Answer

Chloroquine

Answer

Metronidazole

Answer

Albendazole

Answer

Praziquantel

Question 13

When administering anti-infectives, which nursing considerations are crucial for monitoring and managing adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Regularly monitor vital signs, watch for signs of infection, and educate patients about potential adverse effects.

Answer

Follow the prescribed medication schedule precisely and document patient responses thoroughly.

Answer

Offer emotional support and assist patients with daily tasks.

Question 14

How does MRSA typing assist in selecting the most effective antibiotic treatment?

Accepted Answer

Identifies specific MRSA strains, allowing for targeted antibiotic selection to enhance treatment outcomes.

Answer

Primarily used for monitoring purposes, with limited clinical relevance in guiding treatment decisions.

Answer

Only necessary in severe infections, as it offers minimal benefits in milder cases.

Answer

Not routinely performed in clinical settings due to its complexity and high cost.

Question 15

Which of the following antibiotics has a broad-spectrum of activity, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Ampicillin

Answer

Erythromycin

Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Clindamycin

Question 16

Fluconazole, an antifungal agent, exerts its effect primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of protein synthesis

Question 17

Which antiviral medication is indicated for treating herpes simplex infections?

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir

Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Ribavirin

Question 18

Metronidazole, an antiparasitic agent, is unique in its activity against:

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic bacteria and protozoa

Answer

Fungi

Answer

Gram-positive bacteria only

Answer

Viruses

Question 19

When administering an antifungal medication, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for signs of superinfection

Answer

Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration

Answer

Give with food to minimize nausea

Answer

Administer intramuscularly for optimal absorption

Question 20

For most antiviral medications, what is the primary route of administration?

Accepted Answer

Oral

Answer

Inhalation

Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Topical

Question 21

A fundamental principle of appropriate antibiotic use is:

Accepted Answer

Utilizing narrow-spectrum antibiotics whenever possible

Answer

Antibiotics are effective against all types of microorganisms, including viruses

Answer

Continuing antibiotic therapy indefinitely to ensure complete bacterial eradication

Question 22

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of penicillin antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of DNA replication

Answer

Inhibition of protein synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of RNA transcription

Question 23

Which of the following antibiotics is typically effective against gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Ciprofloxacin

Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Clindamycin

Answer

Erythromycin

Question 24

Which of the following antiviral medications is used in the treatment of HIV?

Accepted Answer

Tenofovir

Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Ribavirin

Answer

Acyclovir

Question 25

Which of the following antiparasitic medications is used to treat malaria?

Accepted Answer

Chloroquine

Answer

Albendazole

Answer

Metronidazole

Answer

Ivermectin

Question 26

When administering antibiotics to a patient, which of the following instructions is most important to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve.

Answer

Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset.

Answer

Discontinue the medication if side effects occur.

Question 27

Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with penicillin antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Rash

Answer

Renal failure

Answer

Neurotoxicity

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Question 28

Which of the following conditions is a contraindication to the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Renal impairment

Answer

Liver disease

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Hypersensitivity

Question 29

Which of the following medications is considered a first-line treatment option for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Accepted Answer

Nitrofurantoin

Answer

Ciprofloxacin

Answer

Vancomycin

Question 30

What is the primary spectrum of activity of penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria

Answer

Gram-negative bacteria

Answer

Anaerobic bacteria

Answer

Fungi

Question 31

What is the most important consideration when selecting an antibiotic for treatment?

Accepted Answer

The susceptibility of the infecting organism

Answer

The patient's age

Answer

The cost of the medication

Answer

The route of administration

Question 32

What is the primary role of a pharmacist in anti-infective therapy?

Accepted Answer

Providing drug information and monitoring

Answer

Conducting laboratory tests

Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Performing physical examinations

Question 33

A patient is prescribed penicillin for a bacterial infection. Which of the following is the most important teaching point for the nurse to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Complete the entire course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.

Answer

Avoid taking the medication with food.

Answer

Stop taking the medication if you experience any side effects.

Question 34

A patient with a severe fungal infection is being treated with an antifungal medication. Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of antifungal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 35

Which of the following antiviral medications is commonly used to treat influenza?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Answer

Ganciclovir (Cytovene)

Answer

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Answer

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Question 36

A patient is being treated for a parasitic infection. The nurse understands that the mechanism of action for antiparasitic medications primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Interfering with the parasite's metabolic processes.

Answer

Suppressing the immune system.

Answer

Blocking the release of neurotransmitters.

Question 37

A patient is receiving intravenous antibiotics for a serious bacterial infection. Which of the following nursing interventions is most crucial for monitoring the patient's response to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Assessing vital signs and monitoring for signs of infection resolution.

Answer

Administering pain medication as needed.

Answer

Encouraging increased fluid intake.

Question 38

Which of the following antibiotics is most likely to cause a superinfection?

Accepted Answer

Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Antifungal medications

Answer

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Antiviral medications

Question 39

A patient with a history of penicillin allergy is prescribed an antibiotic for a skin infection. Which of the following antibiotic classes is most likely to be safe for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Macrolides

Answer

Cephalosporins

Answer

Sulfonamides

Answer

Penicillins

Question 40

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotoxicity

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Question 41

A patient with a urinary tract infection is prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide regarding the administration of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Take the medication with a full glass of water and avoid direct sunlight.

Answer

Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Answer

Administer the medication intravenously.

Question 42

Which of the following statements accurately describes the mechanism of action of antiviral medications?

Accepted Answer

Antiviral medications target specific stages of the viral replication cycle.

Answer

Antiviral medications stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.

Answer

Antiviral medications kill viruses directly.