Antimicrobial Drug Therapy | Unit 8 – Pharmacology (12th)

Описание: Unit 8 provides an extensive exploration of antimicrobial pharmacology, focusing on the clinical application and nursing responsibilities essential for managing infectious diseases. It begins by examining the pathophysiology of microorganisms, distinguishing between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and explaining how their unique cell wall structures influence drug efficacy. The unit details five primary mechanisms of action: inhibiting cell wall synthesis, disrupting membrane permeability, and interfering with the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and essential metabolites. A significant portion of the material is dedicated to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and five generations of cephalosporins, while highlighting the challenge of bacterial resistance mediated by enzymes like beta-lactamase. The text addresses the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, discussing highly resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VREF), and emphasizes the critical role of culture and sensitivity (C&S) testing. Students will find detailed coverage of diverse drug classes, including macrolides often used for penicillin-allergic patients, aminoglycosides that require close monitoring for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, and fluoroquinolones, which carry specific warnings regarding tendon health. Specialized sections cover antitubercular multi-drug regimens for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antifungal therapies like amphotericin B for systemic infections, and antivirals targeting influenza, herpes, and hepatitis. Finally, the unit explores treatments for parasites, including antimalarial prophylaxis and anthelmintics for helminth infections, as well as the use of antimicrobial peptides. Throughout these chapters, the nursing process remains central, emphasizing patient assessment, the prevention of superinfections like Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), and the importance of patient education to ensure adherence and mitigate further drug resistance.


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