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In this episode we return to turning the open educational nursing resource for nursing pharmacology into audio, we'll start with the 1st edition antimicrobials then move on to the new second edition with the next topic. 

Summary Chapter 3.7 Carbapenems

Chapter 3.7 of the Nursing Pharmacology guide discusses carbapenems, a broad-spectrum class of antibiotics used for serious, multidrug-resistant infections. These drugs disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis and are effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. They are administered intravenously and monitored for allergic reactions, particularly in those with penicillin or cephalosporin allergies. Patient education includes watching for signs of superinfection and potential side effects, even weeks after treatment.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Carbapenems primarily work by: a) Inhibiting protein synthesis b) Disrupting cell wall synthesis c) Blocking RNA replication d) Preventing DNA transcription
2. Carbapenems are most commonly used for: a) Mild respiratory infections b) Life-threatening, multidrug-resistant infections c) Treating viral infections d) Managing chronic pain
3. What is a critical consideration before administering carbapenems? a) Monitoring liver enzymes b) Checking for penicillin or cephalosporin allergies c) Testing for heart rate d) Evaluating blood pressure
4. How are carbapenems typically administered? a) Orally b) Topically c) Intravenously d) Subcutaneously
5. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience: a) Increased appetite b) Fever and bloody diarrhea c) Mild headaches d) Weight gain

Answer Key

1. b) Disrupting cell wall synthesis
2. b) Life-threatening, multidrug-resistant infections
3. b) Checking for penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
4. c) Intravenously
5. b) Fever and bloody diarrhea

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