Ofloxacin is classified as a (an):

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ofloxacin is classified as a quinolone antibiotic, making option C the correct answer. Quinolone antibiotics, like ofloxacin, work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, ultimately disrupting bacterial DNA replication and leading to bacterial cell death. Option A, antifungal, is incorrect because antifungals target fungal infections, not bacterial infections like ofloxacin does. Option B, antiviral, is incorrect because antivirals are used to treat viral infections, not bacterial infections. Option D, narrow-spectrum antibiotic, is also incorrect because ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective against a wide range of bacteria. In an educational context, understanding the classification of medications is crucial for nurses, especially when administering chemotherapy drugs like ofloxacin. Nurses need to have a strong foundation in pharmacology to ensure safe and effective medication administration. Knowing the classification of drugs helps nurses understand their mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, and potential side effects, all of which are essential for providing quality patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate choice for the patient with a history of bronchospasm following penicillin V therapy and a current upper respiratory infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae sensitive to certain drugs is option C) Azithromycin. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae and is a suitable alternative for patients with a penicillin allergy. This drug has a different chemical structure than penicillin and therefore can be safely administered to patients with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity reactions. Option A) Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a penicillin-based antibiotic and should be avoided in patients with a known penicillin allergy, like this patient. Option B) Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic, which shares a similar chemical structure to penicillin and can cross-react in patients with penicillin allergy. Option D) Ampicillin is also a penicillin derivative and should be avoided in patients with a penicillin allergy. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the implications of drug allergies and cross-reactivity when selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy for patients. This case highlights the importance of considering a patient's allergy history and selecting an alternative antibiotic that is both effective against the pathogen and safe for the individual patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Metronidazole. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for vaginal trichomoniasis in non-pregnant women due to its high effectiveness against the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazole works by disrupting the DNA structure of the parasite, leading to its death. It is well-absorbed when taken orally and has good tissue penetration, making it an ideal choice for treating this infection. Option A) Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is not typically used to treat trichomoniasis. It is more commonly used for bacterial infections. Option B) Co-trimoxazole is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, primarily used for bacterial infections. It is not effective against protozoan infections like trichomoniasis. Option D) Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used for bacterial infections. It does not have any activity against protozoa like Trichomonas vaginalis. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the choice of metronidazole for treating vaginal trichomoniasis is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam. It reinforces the importance of selecting the appropriate drug based on the specific pathogen causing the infection. Additionally, this knowledge helps in providing safe and effective care to patients by ensuring they receive the most appropriate treatment for their condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Doxycycline, which is a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics, known for their broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of bacteria. Option A) Co-trimoxazole is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which are not tetracycline antibiotics. Co-trimoxazole is primarily used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other bacterial infections. Option B) Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections but does not belong to the tetracycline class. Option C) Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, not a tetracycline. Erythromycin is commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and other bacterial infections. Educationally, understanding the classification of antibiotics is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses preparing for exams like the NCLEX. Knowing the specific characteristics, uses, and side effects of different antibiotic classes helps in safe and effective medication administration and management of patient care. Remembering that doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic can guide clinical decision-making when choosing the appropriate medication for bacterial infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Chloramphenicol. Grey baby syndrome is a rare but serious side effect associated with the use of chloramphenicol in newborns and infants. Chloramphenicol can inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis, leading to toxicity in young infants who have immature liver function, causing a grayish discoloration of the skin, poor feeding, hypothermia, and a gray-colored appearance. A) Clindamycin is not associated with grey baby syndrome. It is a lincosamide antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. C) Tetracycline can cause tooth discoloration and inhibit bone growth in fetuses and young children but is not linked to grey baby syndrome. D) Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with a different side effect profile and is not known to cause grey baby syndrome. Educationally, understanding the side effects and complications of chemotherapy drugs is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals administering these medications. Recognizing the specific adverse effects associated with each drug can help prevent serious complications and ensure safe patient care. It is important to be vigilant in monitoring patients for any signs of toxicity or adverse reactions when administering chemotherapy drugs to prevent harm and promote positive patient outcomes.