A client enters the emergency department with suspected exposure to anthrax. The physician confirms this suspicion and orders the client an antibiotic. Which medication would the nurse expect the physician to order?

A. Antagonistic reaction:

An antagonistic reaction refers to a response where one substance opposes the action of another substance. In the context of hypersensitivity reactions, this term does not accurately describe the immune system's response to an allergen. Hypersensitivity reactions involve an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance, rather than opposing actions between substances. Therefore, choice A is not the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions.

B. Drug idiosyncrasy:

Drug idiosyncrasy refers to an unusual or unexpected response to a medication that is not related to the known pharmacological properties of the drug or the patient's characteristics. While idiosyncratic drug reactions can sometimes involve immune-mediated mechanisms, they are not synonymous with hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions specifically involve the immune system's exaggerated response to an allergen, which may or may not be a medication. Therefore, while drug idiosyncrasy may involve unpredictable reactions, it does not specifically address the immune-mediated nature of hypersensitivity reactions.

C. Synergistic reaction:

A synergistic reaction occurs when the combined effect of two substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In the context of hypersensitivity reactions, this term does not accurately describe the immune system's response to an allergen. Hypersensitivity reactions involve an exaggerated response of the immune system to an allergen, rather than a synergistic interaction between substances. Therefore, choice C is not the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions.

D. Allergic reaction:

An allergic reaction is the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions involve the immune system's exaggerated response to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. This response can manifest in various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the nature of the allergen. Allergic reactions can affect different organ systems and can be triggered by a wide range of substances, including foods, medications, environmental allergens, and insect venom. Therefore, choice D accurately describes hypersensitivity reactions.

A. Refers to an infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotics:

This statement is partially correct. Acquired resistance does indeed refer to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, but it is not specific to conventional antibiotics. Bacteria can develop resistance to various types of antibiotics, including conventional antibiotics and newer antimicrobial agents.

B. Superinfection that has significant antifungal resistance:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance specifically pertains to bacteria and their ability to resist antibiotics. It does not involve antifungal resistance or superinfections.

C. Refers to a term used for antibiotic coverage:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is not a term used to describe antibiotic coverage. It describes the phenomenon of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.

D. There is no such phenomenon of acquired resistance:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is a well-documented phenomenon in microbiology and is a significant challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections. Ignoring or denying the existence of acquired resistance would overlook a critical aspect of antibiotic stewardship and management of bacterial infections.