Cephalosporins

Question 1

“cef/ceph”

Answer 1

1st gen: cephalexin

2nd: cefaclor
3rd: ceftriaxone
4th: cefepime
5th: ceftaroline

Question 2

Actions of cephalosporins

Answer 2

• bacteriocidal

- inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall

Question 3

Indications of cephalosporins

Answer 3

• pharyngitis
• tonsillitis
• otitis media
• URI/LRI
• derma
• gonorrhea
• septicemia
• meningitis
• perioperative prophylaxis
• UTI

Question 4

Side effects of cephalosporins

Answer 4

• abdominal pain
• N/V/D
• Increased bleeding risk
• hypoprothombinemia
• rash
• superinfections
• thrombophlebitis (IV)
• abscess formation (IM, IV)

Question 5

Nursing considerations for cephalosporins

Answer 5

• take with food
• liquid to children
• Vitamin K ready for hypoprothombinemia
• avoid alcohol
• cross allergy to PCNs
• monitor renal and hepatic function
• monitor for thrombophlebitis