Anti-infectives

Question 1

What do antivirals do?

Answer 1

work to inhibit viral replication

Question 2

What are some examples of immunocompromised people?

Answer 2

those with cancer, AIDS or organ transplants

Question 3

What are the usual symptoms of a virus?

Answer 3

fever, headache, cough, malaise, nausea/vomiting, muscle pain and diarrhea

Question 4

What happens to WBC when the body has a virus?

Answer 4

white blood cell count remains normal

Question 5

What are the 5 stages of viral replication?

Answer 5

1. the virus attaches itself to the target cell
2. virus injects genetic material into the cell
3. synthesis of genetic material– the cell builds all of the parts needed for the virus
4. assembly and packaging
5. cell releases the virus to the rest of the body or other people

Question 5

What diagnostic tests can diagnose viral infections?

Answer 5

Tests that look for evidence of the virus:
-rapid antigen test (RATs)
-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
-cell culture

Test that measures the body’s immune response to a virus:
-serology for antibodies

Question 6

The medications that end in -vir are for what condition?

Answer 6

antivirals

Question 7

What is serotonin sydrome?

Answer 7

an adverse response to medications when there is too much build up of serotonin and results in nausea, diarrhea, high fever, seizures, etc.

Question 7

What is an expectorant?

Answer 7

a cough medication used to thin mucus so that it is easier to clear

Question 8

What is the difference between a vaccine and an antiviral?

Answer 8

vaccines target immune cells and increase the host’s ability to destroy the viruses

antivirals target viruses and decrease their ability to survive within a host

Question 9

What kind of treatment is used for HIV?

Answer 9

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
-also used for post-exposure and pre-exposure therapy, not just active infection

Usually a combination of 2 nukes and 1 drug from another class of ART
-minimizes drug resistance

Question 10

What tests are included in a CBC?

Answer 10

WBC with automated differential, RBC with indices, HGB, HCT, and PLT count

Question 11

What does elevated neutrophils point to?

Answer 11

bacterial infection

Question 12

What does high lymphocytes point to?

Answer 12

viral infection

Question 13

Define bactericidal

Answer 13

kill a wide range of bacteria (necessary for severe infection and/or immunocompromised)

Question 14

Define bacteriostatic

Answer 14

do not kill bacteria but inhibit their growth (ex. sulfonamides), giving time for the pt’s immune system to effectively destroy the bacteria

Question 15

What is Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS)?

Answer 15

-severe mucocutaneous hypersensitivity syndromes commonly triggered by medications
-milder form than TEN
-flu-like symptoms and possible severe blistering rash
-risk factors are HIV, hematological cancers and genetic predispositions
-<10% of body surface
-treated with supportive care (hydration, wound care, analgesics) and stopping the offending agent
-those of Asian decent are more at risk

Question 16

What is toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)?

Answer 16

-severe mucocutaneous hypersensitivity syndromes commonly triggered by medications
-more severe than SJS
-flu-like symptoms and possible severe blistering rash
-risk factors are HIV, hematological cancers and genetic predispositions
->30% of body surface
-treated with supportive care (hydration, wound care, analgesics) and stopping the offending agent