A nurse is teaching a nursing student what is meant by "generations" of cephalosporins. Which statement by the student indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"Cephalosporins are assigned to generations based on their relative costs to administer."
"Later generations of cephalosporins have lower resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases."
"Cephalosporins have increased activity against gram-negative bacteria with each new generation."
"First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration of the cerebrospinal fluid."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Cephalosporins are assigned to generations based on their relative costs to administer."
This statement is incorrect. The classification of cephalosporins into generations is based on their antimicrobial spectrum and activity against specific bacteria, not their cost.
B. "Later generations of cephalosporins have lower resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases."
This statement is not accurate. In fact, later generations of cephalosporins have increased resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases, which are enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down certain antibiotics.
C. "Cephalosporins have increased activity against gram-negative bacteria with each new generation."
This statement is correct. Cephalosporins are grouped into generations (first to fifth) based on their antibacterial spectrum. As the generations progress, there is an increase in activity against gram-negative bacteria, among other improvements in their spectrum.
D. "First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration of the cerebrospinal fluid."
This statement is generally true. First-generation cephalosporins have better penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid, making them useful for treating certain central nervous system infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT): GALT is a component of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and refers to the immune cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. These cells play a significant role in local immune responses in the gut.
B. Bone marrow: The bone marrow is the primary site of blood cell production in the body. It contains stem cells that can differentiate into various blood cells, including B cells. B cells mature in the bone marrow.
C. Thymus: The thymus is an organ located near the heart and is crucial for the development of T cells. T cells mature in the thymus, where they learn to recognize self from non-self antigens.
D. Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that help fight infection. While they are essential parts of the immune system, B and T cells are not originally derived from lymph nodes.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
Explanation: Tetracycline antibiotics interfere with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosomes. This binding prevents the attachment of transfer RNA (tRNA) to the messenger RNA (mRNA) complex, effectively inhibiting the production of proteins that are crucial for bacterial growth and replication.
B. "Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline primarily affects protein synthesis, not RNA synthesis. It doesn't block the creation of RNA molecules in bacteria.
C. "Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline antibiotics do not target bacterial cell walls. Agents like penicillins and cephalosporins are examples of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell walls.
D. "Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline does bind to certain metal ions, but it's not primarily through magnesium ions. The binding to bacterial ribosomes is a key mechanism of action for tetracyclines.

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