The nurse is discharging a client with a prescription for ...

[stephzh]

The nurse is discharging a client with a prescription for penicillin. The client asks the nurse how this antibiotic works. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that the mechanism of action of this class of anti-infectives is:
 
  Standard Text: Select all that apply.
  1. inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
  2. causing disruption of the cell wall, resulting in the cell absorbing water and lysing.
  3. binding to specific proteins, resulting in the cell's inability to build a wall.
  4. interfering with the transfer of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
  5. changing the permeability of the cell membrane.

Question 2

A client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of meningitis. Reviewing the client's culture and sensitivity (C&S) report, the nurse would expect evidence of which organisms to confirm this diagnosis?
 
  Standard Text: Select all that apply.
  1. Streptococci
  2. Escherichia coli
  3. Haemophilus influenzae
  4. Rickettsia rickettsii
  5. Shigella

[allisonblackmore]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Penicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Rationale 2: Penicillin inhibits cell wall synthesis, resulting in the cell absorbing water and lysing.
Rationale 3: Binding to specific proteins disrupts the cell's ability to build a wall.
Rationale 4: Interference of the transfer of RNA occurs during the inhibition of protein synthesis by the aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and oxazolidinones.
Rationale 5: The disruption of the plasma membrane is the mechanism of action of azoles and polyenes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Streptococci can cause meningitis in children.
Rationale 2: Escherichia coli can cause meningitis in children.
Rationale 3: Haemophilus influenzae can cause meningitis in children.
Rationale 4: Rickettsia rickettsii is the organism responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Rationale 5: Shigella is an organism responsible for dysentery.
Global Rationale: Streptococci, Escherichia coli, and Haemophilus influenzae can cause meningitis in children.

[stephzh]

TYSM

[bdobbins]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it