A client has been prescribed an antibiotic and overhears the prescriber talking about acquired resistance. The client asks the nurse what this means. What is the nurse's best statement regarding acquired resistance?

A. An infection that is difficult to treat:

This choice describes a challenging infection but does not specifically capture the concept of a superinfection. While superinfections can indeed be difficult to treat, they are defined more specifically as secondary infections that occur due to disruption of the normal microbial flora during the treatment of an initial infection.

B. An infection caused by a weakened immune system:

This choice describes an infection that occurs due to a compromised or weakened immune system, which can indeed increase the risk of developing infections, including superinfections. However, it does not fully encompass the definition of a superinfection, which specifically involves the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens after the disruption of normal microbial flora by antimicrobial treatment.

C. A secondary infection that occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body are killed by the drug:

This choice accurately describes what a superinfection is. It highlights the key concept that a superinfection is a secondary infection that arises when antimicrobial treatment disrupts or kills the normal microbial flora of the body, allowing opportunistic pathogens to overgrow and cause infection.

D. A drug-resistant infection:

This choice describes an infection caused by microorganisms that are resistant to the effects of antimicrobial drugs. While drug resistance is a significant concern in healthcare, it does not specifically define a superinfection. Superinfections can involve drug-resistant microorganisms, but they are not solely characterized by drug resistance; rather, they are secondary infections resulting from the disruption of normal microbial flora during antimicrobial treatment.

A. Penicillins:

Penicillins are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. While they are generally well-tolerated and have a low incidence of adverse effects, they are not typically associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture, including the Achilles tendon.

B. Fluoroquinolones:

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics known for their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria. However, they are associated with several significant adverse effects, including cartilage toxicity and tendon rupture. These adverse effects, particularly tendon rupture, are most commonly observed in weight-bearing tendons such as the Achilles tendon. Fluoroquinolones should be used cautiously, especially in populations at higher risk for tendon injuries.

C. Aminoglycosides:

Aminoglycosides are another class of antibiotics used to treat severe bacterial infections. While they have their own set of potential adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, they are not associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture.

D. Sulfonamides:

Sulfonamides are antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth by interfering with the synthesis of folate. While they can cause various adverse effects, including skin reactions and hematologic abnormalities, they are not associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture.