A nursing student asks a nurse to clarify the differences between ...

[go.lag]

A nursing student asks a nurse to clarify the differences between the mechanisms of spontaneous mutation and conjugation in acquired resistance of microbes. What will the nurse say?
 
  a. Conjugation results in a gradual increase in resistance.
  b. Conjugation results in random changes in the microbe's DNA.
  c. Spontaneous mutation leads to resistance to only one antimicrobial agent.
  d. Spontaneous mutation can transfer DNA from one organism to another.

Question 2

A patient has been taking phentermine (Adipex-P) for 2 months for weight loss. The patient tells the nurse that the medication no longer causes appetite suppression. The nurse will expect the prescriber to:
 
  a. continue the current dosage for 4 more weeks.
  b. discontinue the drug.
  c. increase the drug dosage.
  d. switch to another nonamphetamine agent.

[tranoy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Spontaneous mutation generally confers resistance to only one drug. Conjugation can occur quickly; spontaneous mutation is gradual. Spontaneous mutation is random; conjugation is not. Conjugation can occur with the transfer of DNA from one organism to another.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Tolerance to drugs in this class is common and usually occurs in 6 to 12 weeks. When it occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Continuing the drug is not appropriate, because tolerance to the desired effect has occurred. Increasing the dose does not overcome the tolerance to the effect. Switching to a similar agent is not correct, because cross-tolerance is a factor.

[go.lag]

TY

[tranoy]

You're welcome