A nurse is teaching a nursing student what is meant by "generations" of cephalosporins. Which statement by the student indicates understanding of the teaching?

Question

a. "Cephalosporins are assigned to generations based on their relative costs to administer."
b. "Cephalosporins have increased activity against gram-negative bacteria with each generation."
c. "First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration of the cerebrospinal fluid."
d. "Later generations of cephalosporins have lower resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases."

Answer 1

ANS: B
With each progression from first-generation agents to fourth-generation agents, the cephalosporins show increased activity against gram-negative organisms, increased resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases, and increased ability to reach the CSF. Cost is not a definitive factor. First-generation drugs have less penetration of the CSF. Resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases increases with increasing generations.