Antibiotics: Classification and Nursing Care
Antibiotics are classified by mechanism and spectrum. Nurses must understand major classes, complete-course adherence, and monitoring for allergy and resistance.
Practice Antibiotics with PassMate AI →Key Points to Know
What you must know about Antibiotics
Major classes include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, quinolones, and sulfonamides.
Penicillins and cephalosporins inhibit cell wall synthesis; there is cross-allergy risk between them.
Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) can be nephrotoxic and ototoxic — monitor renal function and hearing.
Tetracyclines are avoided in pregnancy and young children (tooth staining, bone effects).
Patients must complete the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Always ask about drug allergies before administering antibiotics.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Penicillin allergy — the FIRST nursing action before giving is to check allergy history.
Aminoglycosides = nephrotoxic and ototoxic (classic tested side effects).
Tetracyclines contraindicated in pregnancy and children under 8.
Completing the full course prevents resistance — a common patient-teaching answer.
Practice Question
Test yourself
Before administering the first dose of intramuscular penicillin, the most important nursing action is to:
Explanation
Penicillin can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Assessing for a history of drug allergy is the essential first step before administration to prevent a potentially fatal reaction.
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