Pharmacology - Antibiotics | EliteNursePro | Nursing Study Guide +
Practice Q&A | 2026
Page 1 – Introduction to Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
Bactericidal: Kill bacteria
Bacteriostatic: Slow bacterial growth
Not effective against viruses
Misuse → antibiotic resistance
Nursing notes: Always check for allergies before administration, ensure full course completion,
monitor patient response.
Page 2 – Classification of Antibiotics
Class
Mechanism
Example Drugs
Penicillin
Inhibit cell wall synthesis
Amoxicillin, Penicillin G
Cephalosporin
Inhibit cell wall synthesis
Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin
Macrolides
Inhibit protein synthesis
Azithromycin, Erythromycin
Tetracyclines
Inhibit protein synthesis
Doxycycline, Tetracycline
, Aminoglycosides
Inhibit protein synthesis
Gentamicin, Amikacin
Fluoroquinolones
Inhibit DNA replication
Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin
Page 3 – Mechanism Details
Penicillins & Cephalosporins: Bind to bacterial cell wall → cause lysis
Macrolides & Tetracyclines: Bind ribosomes → stop protein synthesis
Aminoglycosides: Irreversibly bind ribosomes → bactericidal
Fluoroquinolones: Inhibit DNA gyrase → prevent replication
Page 4 – Nursing Considerations (1)
Check for penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
Monitor for GI upset: diarrhea, nausea
Administer full course even if patient improves
Maintain hydration for aminoglycosides
Assess renal and liver function where applicable
Page 5 – Nursing Considerations (2)
Monitor vital signs and signs of infection
Watch for superinfections: oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections
Educate patient: avoid skipping doses
Avoid mixing tetracyclines with dairy → decreased absorption
Educate on potential photosensitivity (tetracyclines)
Page 6 – Common Side Effects Table
Class
Practice Q&A | 2026
Page 1 – Introduction to Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
Bactericidal: Kill bacteria
Bacteriostatic: Slow bacterial growth
Not effective against viruses
Misuse → antibiotic resistance
Nursing notes: Always check for allergies before administration, ensure full course completion,
monitor patient response.
Page 2 – Classification of Antibiotics
Class
Mechanism
Example Drugs
Penicillin
Inhibit cell wall synthesis
Amoxicillin, Penicillin G
Cephalosporin
Inhibit cell wall synthesis
Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin
Macrolides
Inhibit protein synthesis
Azithromycin, Erythromycin
Tetracyclines
Inhibit protein synthesis
Doxycycline, Tetracycline
, Aminoglycosides
Inhibit protein synthesis
Gentamicin, Amikacin
Fluoroquinolones
Inhibit DNA replication
Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin
Page 3 – Mechanism Details
Penicillins & Cephalosporins: Bind to bacterial cell wall → cause lysis
Macrolides & Tetracyclines: Bind ribosomes → stop protein synthesis
Aminoglycosides: Irreversibly bind ribosomes → bactericidal
Fluoroquinolones: Inhibit DNA gyrase → prevent replication
Page 4 – Nursing Considerations (1)
Check for penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
Monitor for GI upset: diarrhea, nausea
Administer full course even if patient improves
Maintain hydration for aminoglycosides
Assess renal and liver function where applicable
Page 5 – Nursing Considerations (2)
Monitor vital signs and signs of infection
Watch for superinfections: oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections
Educate patient: avoid skipping doses
Avoid mixing tetracyclines with dairy → decreased absorption
Educate on potential photosensitivity (tetracyclines)
Page 6 – Common Side Effects Table
Class
