A nurse is preparing to administer ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a client who has bacterial meningitis.
The nurse should recognize that this medication is effective against which type of bacteria?

A rash is a possible adverse effect of cephalexin (Keflex), a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections.A rash may indicate an allergic reaction to the medication, which can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice A is wrong because diarrhea is a common side effect of cephalexin that usually does not need medical attention unless it is severe or watery.

Choice B is wrong because headache is not a common or serious side effect of cephalexin.

Choice D is wrong because nausea is a common side effect of cephalexin that usually does not need medical attention unless it is persistent or severe.

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is athird-generation cephalosporin antibioticthat works byinterfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls.It is effective againstgram-negative bacteria, such asNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandHaemophilus species, which are common causes of bacterial meningitis.

Choice A is wrong because ceftriaxone is less active againstgram-positive bacteria, such asStaphylococcusandStreptococcusspecies.

Choice C is wrong because ceftriaxone is not effective againstanaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow.Anaerobic bacteria are usually treated withmetronidazoleorclindamycin.

Choice D is wrong because ceftriaxone can treat bothaerobicandanaerobicgram-negative bacteria, but not all aerobic bacteria are gram-negative.

Aerobic bacteria are bacteria that require oxygen to grow.Some examples of aerobic gram-positive bacteria areListeria monocytogenesandBacillus anthracis, which are resistant to ceftriaxone.