Mr. Thomas, who is receiving oral penicillin, reports that he has a sore mouth. On inspection, the nurse notes bright red oral mucous membranes with some white patches. The primary care provider is notified immediately because these symptoms may be caused by:
a Vitamin C deficiency
dehydration
poor oral hygiene
a superinfection
The Correct Answer is D
A. A Vitamin C deficiency:
While a Vitamin C deficiency can lead to oral health issues such as bleeding gums or scurvy, it is less likely to present with bright red oral mucous membranes and white patches. Vitamin C deficiency typically manifests with other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and joint pain.
B. Dehydration:
Dehydration can cause dry mouth and oral discomfort, but it is less likely to present with bright red oral mucous membranes and white patches. Dehydration may also result in a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth rather than soreness with white patches.
C. Poor oral hygiene:
Poor oral hygiene can lead to various oral health problems, including gingivitis and dental caries, but it is less likely to cause bright red oral mucous membranes with white patches. Poor oral hygiene typically results in plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, and dental decay rather than the specific symptoms described.
D. A superinfection:
This is the correct option. A superinfection occurs when opportunistic microorganisms, such as fungi or resistant bacteria, proliferate and cause infection following antibiotic therapy. Penicillin, like other antibiotics, can disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth, allowing opportunistic pathogens to flourish and lead to conditions such as oral thrush (caused by Candida albicans) or oral candidiasis. The presence of bright red oral mucous membranes with white patches suggests the possibility of a superinfection, which warrants immediate attention from the primary care provider for further evaluation and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bacteriostatics are narrow spectrum drugs, and bactericidal drugs are broad spectrum:
This statement is incorrect. The spectrum of activity (narrow vs. broad) of an antibiotic refers to the range of bacterial species that it can target, not whether it is bacteriostatic or bactericidal.
B. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth, and bactericidal drugs actually kill bacteria:
This statement is correct. Bacteriostatic drugs work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria without directly killing them, whereas bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria.
C. Bacteriostatics work by inhibiting protein synthesis, and bactericidal drugs work by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis:
This statement is incorrect. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs can target various bacterial cellular processes, including protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, cell wall synthesis, and others. The mechanism of action is not a definitive factor in distinguishing between bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs.
D. Bacteriostatic drugs actually kill bacteria, and bactericidal drugs inhibit bacterial growth:
This statement is incorrect. It contradicts the established definitions of bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth without killing the bacteria, while bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria.
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