Assignment Two
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What is selective toxicity?
This refers to antimicrobial drugs’ act to destroy microbial cells without killing the host’s own cells. Therefore, the drug targets specific areas responsible for the infection, thus inhibiting the growth of microbial (William, 2020).
How does antibiotic use promote resistant organisms? What are the ways that nurses can help to reduce the spread of resistant organisms in hospital?
The more an antibiotic is used, the more resistant the bacteria can become. Although, the sensitive bacteria are killed, the stronger germs are resistant and therefore, grow and multiply. Nurses can prevent and control the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance by dispensing antibiotics, if and only if they are need and in accordance to the current guidelines. It is also imperative to teach patients on the use of antibiotics and the dangers of misuse (William, 2020).
What is broad spectrum vs narrow spectrum antibiotics? Name an example of each.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics refer to antibiotics that possess an antimicrobial spectrum which possesses gram-positive and gram-negative attributes. Therefore, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat a myriad of infectious diseases. Aminoglycoside is a good example of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. On the other hand, narrow-spectrum antibiotics such as older penicillin are used to treat a specific group of bacterial types (Richler & Hergenrother, 2018).
How is clostridium difficile treated initially? How about for a severe infection?
Initially, C. difficile is treated by seizing the use of the antibiotic that triggered the infection. However, other antibiotics may be used keep the clostridium difficile from growing thus treating diarrhea and other symptoms. If the infection is severe and characterized by severe pain, inflammation on the abdominal wall or organ failure, surgery is necessary to remove the diseased portion of the colon (Richler & Hergenrother, 2018).
What medication can cause red man syndrome? How is this treated?
Red man syndrome is a common serious reaction to an antibiotic called Vancomycin. Red man syndrome is treated by stopping the use of vancomycin immediately. Administering an oral dose of antihistamine may help in managing symptoms. However, in severe cases, a patient may need IV fluids (Zallen, 1989).
What organs can be affected by aminoglycosides?
Aminoglycosides are potent antibiotics and, therefore, can have severe side effects, especially when taken orally or intravenously. Aminoglycosides can cause damage to hear structures in the ear and eventually result in hearing loss. Ear damage may also result in difficulty in maintaining balance. The kidney may also be damaged, characterized by protein presence in urine and severe dehydration. These antibiotics may also cause paralysis of skeletal muscles (Richler & Hergenrother, 2018).
What are some nurse teaching points for the patient being prescribed Tetracycline?
Tetracycline should not be taken with food, antacids, dairy products, or iron preparations. Therefore, it should be taken two to three hours before or after meals with a full glass of water. Patients need to finish their medication and discard any outdated tetracycline products. Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy. There are also reports of pregnancy occurring when tetracycline is used with hormonal contraceptives. Using an additional contraceptive is necessary.
Who is at the highest risk for tuberculosis? (Name some populations of people).
Children and infants, particularly under the age of two years, are the highest risk for tuberculosis. Usually, children get tuberculosis disease within a year after infection. Populations that have been recently infected with TB are also at high risk. Individuals with medical conditions such as HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, organ transplants, or other conditions that have weakened their immune system are at high risk of getting TB. Health care professionals serving high-risk patients are also at high risk for TB exposure and infection (Jackson & Abubakar, 2017).
What are the signs of benzodiazepine toxicity? How is it treated?
The signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose differ from one person to another, depending on various factors. Some of the signs and symptoms include respiratory distress, disorientation, uncoordinated muscle movement, blurred vision, tremors, bluish lips and fingers, and coma. Benzodiazepine toxicity is treated by administering an antidote called flumazenil. In severe scenarios, an individual may require respiratory support.
How do local anesthetics work? Why are vasoconstrictors often used with local anesthetics?
Local anesthetics prevent the transmission of nerve impulses by binding sodium channels in the nerve plasma membrane. Binding the sodium channels renders it impermeable to sodium which inhibits transmission of nerve impulses. Vasoconstrictors are used with local anesthetics to reduce their vasodilatory effects by constricting blood vessels and decreasing blood flow in the injected area (Lonnqvist, 2011).
Why are local anesthetics with epinephrine not used near toes, fingers, ears, or penis? Describe balanced anesthesia?
Epinephrine is usually added to local anesthetics to prolong its effect. However, caution should be taken when used in body parts whose only blood supply is arteries. It constricts the arteries, thus reducing blood supply to these organs resulting in complications. Therefore, anesthesia should be used in a balanced approach that involves a combination of drugs in sufficient amount to achieve the desired effects and reduce undesirable effects.
What is the mechanism of action of inhaled anesthetics?
Inhaled anesthetics have a different reaction to the central nervous system. Some of them interfere with normal synaptic transmission by releasing neurotransmitters from the presynaptic nerve terminal. Others change the binding of neurotransmitters to the postsynaptic receptor.
Describe minimum alveolar concentration?
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) refers to the amount of inhaled anesthetic at sea level necessary to inhibit movement in 50% of patients responding to surgical cuts. The MAC of various volatile anesthetic has different effects on people depending on age. Before this definition, there was no efficient way to determine the adequate dosing of anesthesia. (Lonnqvist, 2011).
Name 3 adverse effects of general anesthetics and the nursing care appropriate to help with these effects.
Cognitive dysfunction: Sometimes, memory loss and confusion can last longer than a few days. Usually, it’s common in older people, especially those who have heart diseases. Administering drugs that boost neurotransmitter levels may help manage symptoms.
Malignant Hyperthermia: Some patients may suffer from malignant hyperthermia. This can be treated by administering a Dantrolene drug, which prevents the release of calcium in the muscles (Lonnqvist, 2011).
Death: The risk of dying is generally low. However, it is a possibility. The anesthesiologist should be careful while taking care of their patients. The patients should also inform the anesthesiologist of their medical history to avoid any surprise reactions.
Name two classes of medications used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants: These drugs help patients to focus their thoughts and ignore any distractions. They are normally used to treat both moderate and severe ADHD. They are quite helpful for children facing challenges both at home and school (Wang et al., 2015).
Non-stimulants: These drugs enhance concentration and impulse control, especially when stimulants are not working or have adverse effects.
What is the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction?
Drug abuse is the constant use of drugs, although it is evident that it harms their well-being. Drug abusers continuously use drugs despite their social life and financial stability falling apart. On the other hand, drug addiction is a disease that affects a person’s behavior because they cannot manage the use of drugs or medication.
What is the difference between opioid tolerance and physical dependence?
After using opioid medication for a while, an individual may find themselves in a situation where they need portions of the drug to achieve the same effect. This is referred to as opioid tolerance. On the other hand, physical dependence is a condition in which an individual uses a drug for a long time and develops physical symptoms if the drug is taken in smaller doses or suddenly stopped (Justus, 2016).
What class of medication is the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal?
Depressants are the first line of treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are particularly preferred as they reduce the symptoms of withdrawal, such as seizures. Benzodiazepines provide a smoother withdrawal period than other intermediate medicine.
Name two nicotine drugs used to aid in smoking cessation.
Bupropion: This drug helps reduce an individual craving for tobacco.
Varenicline: Reduces one’s craving for nicotine and also minimizes the physical effects of nicotine.
What are the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
The signs and symptoms of opioid abuse include muscle aches, restlessness, excessive sweating, lack of sleep, lacrimation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may experience rapid heartbeat, abdominal cramping, and high blood pressure.
What are some medical uses of marijuana or cannabinoids?
Marijuana is used for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Researchers are also trying to determine if marijuana can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. Cannabinoid medicines are also used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy (Justus, 2016).
References
Campa, A., Sales Martinez, S., & Baum, M. (2017). Drug Addiction, Relapse and Recovery. Journal Of Drug Abuse, 03(01). https://doi.org/10.21767/2471-853x.100042
Gajdács, M., & Albericio, F. (2019). Antibiotic Resistance: From the Bench to Patients. Antibiotics, 8(3), 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics8030129
Jackson, C., & Abubakar, I. (2017). Ending tuberculosis in risk groups in Europe: challenges from travel and population movement. Eurosurveillance, 22(12). https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.12.30489
Justus, F. (2016). Who’s to Blame for the Opiod Overdose Epidemic?. Journal Of Orthopedics And Rheumatism, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.36959/479/423
Lönnqvist, P. (2011). Toxicity of local anesthetic drugs: a pediatric perspective. Pediatric Anesthesia, 22(1), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9592.2011.03631.x
Richter, M., & Hergenrother, P. (2018). The challenge of converting Gram-positive-only compounds into broad-spectrum antibiotics. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1435(1), 18-38. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13598
Wang, C., Mazursky-Horowitz, H., & Chronis-Tuscano, A. (2015). Is Parental ADHD Related to Child ADHD Treatment Response?. The ADHD Report, 23(3), 1-5,10. https://doi.org/10.1521/adhd.2015.23.3.1
Williams, M. (2000). Selective toxicity, side effects and resistance. International Journal Of Antimicrobial Agents, 14(3), 171-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0924-8579(00)00154-0
Zallen, R. (1989). Red man syndrome. The Journal Of The American Dental Association, 118(4), 410. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1989.0171