Author Question: A patient with second-degree burns is treated with silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). A nursing ... (Read 59 times)

burchfield96 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with second-degree burns is treated with silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene).

A nursing student asks the nurse about the differences between silver sulfadiazine and mafenide (Sulfamylon), because the two are similar products, and both contain sulfonamides. What does the nurse tell the student about silver sulfadiazine?
a. It causes increased pain when the medication is applied.
b. It has a broader spectrum of antimicrobial sensitivity.
c. It has antibacterial effects related to release of free silver.
d. It suppresses renal excretion of acid, causing acidosis.

Question 2

A nurse is discussing microbial resistance among sulfonamides and trimethoprim with a nursing student. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

a. Bacterial resistance to trimethoprim is relatively uncommon.
b. Resistance among gonococci, streptococci, and meningococci to sulfonamides is high.
c. Resistance to both agents can occur by spontaneous mutation of organisms.
d. Resistance to sulfonamides is less than resistance to trimethoprim.

ryansturges · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Silver sulfadiazine has antibacterial effects primarily related to the release of free silver and not to the sulfonamide portion of the molecule. Unlike mafenide, silver sulfadiazine reduces pain when applied. Silver sulfadiazine and mafenide have similar antibacterial effects. Because silver sulfadiazine does not suppress renal excretion of acid, it has fewer systemic effects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
There is less microbial resistance to trimethoprim than there is to sulfonamides. Bacterial resistance to trimethoprim is relatively uncommon. Gonococcal, streptococcal, and meningococcal resistance to sulfonamides is especially high. For both agents, resistance can develop by spontaneous mutation.