Antimicrobial Flashcards
What does MRSA stand for?
Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
What does VRE stand for?
Vancomycin resistant enterococci
What type of antibiotic is Vancomycin?
Glycopeptide
What are severe infections treated by Vancomycin?
Severe staph infections, including MRSA; other serious gram-positive infections, antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile)
What caution should be taken when administering Vancomycin?
Caution with preexisting renal dysfunction or hearing loss; caution in elderly and neonates
What is the therapeutic index of Vancomycin?
Low therapeutic index
What is the mechanism of action of Vancomycin?
Bactericidal—kills bacteria
What are the potential side effects of Vancomycin?
Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, Red man syndrome
What is Red man syndrome?
Flushing and itching of the body, waist up, caused by rapid infusion of Vancomycin
What laboratory tests should be assessed before beginning therapy with Vancomycin?
Drug allergies; hepatic, renal, and cardiac function; and other lab studies
What do ALT and AST measure?
Hepatic/liver function
What do BUN and Creatinine measure?
Renal/kidney function
What does CBC stand for?
Complete blood count
What does CBC assess?
Red blood cells (RBC, Hmg & Hct), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets
What is hepatotoxicity?
Liver damage caused by drugs
What is nephrotoxicity?
Kidney damage caused by drugs
What are blood dyscrasias?
Blood abnormalities
What is anemia?
Low red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hmg), and hematocrit (Hct)
What is leukopenia?
Low leukocytes (white blood cells)
What is neutropenia?
Low neutrocytes
What is thrombocytopenia?
Low platelets
What should be assessed for before administering antibiotics?
ALLERGIES
How should oral antibiotics be taken for better absorption?
With at least 6 to 8 ounces of water
