A patient with recurrent bacterial pneumonia is treated with an antibiotic that has worked previously but is not working to reduce symptoms in a current infection. The nurse caring for this patient understands that this is likely for which reason?
a. The antibiotic altered the genetic makeup of the bacterial strain causing this infection.
b. The antibiotic caused host cells to change and become more susceptible to bacterial effects.
c. The antibiotic caused a mutation of the organism leading to reduced drug sensitivity.
d. The antibiotic destroyed competing organisms that secrete substances toxic to the pathogen.
ANS: D
Antibiotics promote resistance by destroying sensitive organisms and eliminating the toxins they produce, which facilitates survival of resistant organisms. Antibiotics do not alter the genetic makeup of bacteria. The host cells are not affected. Antibiotics are not mutagenic.
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The nurse is assisting with teaching a patient who has had a transient ischemic attack (TIA). On which understanding should a nurse base teaching?
a. TIAs are not serious, and the patient should have no further problems. b. A TIA is predictive that the patient will have a heart attack within 1 year. c. A TIA is a forewarning that the patient is at risk for a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). d. A TIA is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention.
The nurse is caring for a child just admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse should question which of the following physician's orders?
1. Stat serum electrolytes 2. Neurological checks hourly 3. NPH insulin IV at 0.1 units/kg per hour. 4. Insert urinary catheter and measure output hourly.
Which of these conditions usually occurs in preterm infants and requires immediate administration of surfactant through an endotracheal tube at the time of birth?
a. bronchopulmonary dysplasia c. pneumothorax b. cystic fibrosis d. respiratory distress syndrome
The school health nurse recognizes that children who display certain characteristics are at risk for poor school performance. The nurse will therefore observe each school-age child for which of the following characteristics? Select all that apply
1. Decreased ability to perform visual tracking 2. Decreased auditory stimulation 3. Decreased muscle tone 4. Multiple dental caries 5. Chronic tonsillitis