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. 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. The herbal product must contain only one active ingredient:

This statement is not a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Many dietary supplements contain multiple active ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances. DSHEA does not mandate that dietary supplements contain only one active ingredient.

B. Effectiveness must be demonstrated by the manufacturer:

DSHEA does not require manufacturers to demonstrate the effectiveness of dietary supplements before marketing. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which must undergo premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate safety and efficacy, dietary supplements do not need to prove effectiveness to be marketed. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and making truthful claims on product labels.

C. Dietary supplements must state that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease:

This statement accurately reflects a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Under DSHEA, dietary supplement labels must include a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This disclaimer helps to clarify that dietary supplements are intended to support general health and well-being rather than to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.

D. Dietary supplements must be tested for safety prior to marketing:

While DSHEA requires manufacturers to ensure the safety of their dietary supplements, it does not mandate standardized premarket testing for safety by regulatory authorities. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for conducting safety assessments and ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. The FDA may take action against manufacturers if a product is found to be unsafe or if it violates regulatory requirements, but premarket testing is not a specific legal requirement under DSHEA.