7/16/25, 10:37 PM Pharmacology HESI Exam 1
Pharmacology HESI Exam 1 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS \VERIFIED 100% \GRADED A+
Bactericidal antibiotics Antibiotics that kill bacteria directly.
Antibiotics that do not actually kill bacteria but
Bacteriostatic antibiotics
rather inhibit their growth
Penicillins, cephalosporins, glycopeptide
inhibitors
- Inhibiting cell wall proteins from binding and
prevent them from incorporating
Cell wall synthesis inhibitors
- Creates leaky cell walls from autoylsing
enzymes
- Effective against rapid growing bacteria
- SEs: diarrhea and itching
Aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines
- Interfere with protein synthesis by binding
Protein synthesis inhibitors bacterial ribosomes and prevents translation
- Prevents amino acid linkages
SEs: nausea, rash, lethargy, fever
Sulfonamides, trimethoprim
- Suppress activity of enzymes needed to
convert folic acid in bacteria (can't reproduce or
Metabolism inhibitors make DNA)
- BACTERIOSTATIC
SEs: headache, fever, N/V, photosensitivity
1/17
,7/16/25, 10:37 PM Pharmacology HESI Exam 1
Fluoroquinolones
- Enter bacterial cells and suppress the action of
DNA synthesis inhibitors
2 enzymes that allow bacteria to make DNA
- BACTERICIDAL
Intended response for all antibacterial drugs - Eradication of infectious bacteria
- Normal body temperature
- WBC count between 5,000-10,000
- Absence of drainage and redness or other
symptoms
- Intestinal disturbances, especially diarrhea
Common side effects of antibacterial drugs
- Oral and vaginal yeast infections
Drug allergies and anaphylaxis
- Monitor for chest tightness and SOB
- hypotension, weak pulse
- Hives around IV site
Adverse side effects of antibacterial drugs
- Angioedemia
- Hoarse voice
C. diff.
VERIFY DRUG ALLERGIES BEFORE GIVING
- Check patient's WBC for baseline due to
possible bone marrow suppression
Priority actions BEFORE giving antibacterial
- Check patient's vital signs and mental status
drugs
- Check IV site and blood return (make sure IV
works)
2/17
, 7/16/25, 10:37 PM Pharmacology HESI Exam 1
- Double check drug dosage and compare to
average recommended dose
- Ask patient # of bowel movements and
characteristics (diarrhea vs C. diff vs
pseudomembranous colitis)
- Check patient q15 minutes if giving for the first
Priority actions AFTER giving antibacterial drugs time for allergic reaction
*** If allergy, stop infusion, change IV tubing!
- Monitors signs of infection
- Assess patient's mouth for cottage cheese like
coating on gums/tongue (thrush)
- Assess IV sit q2 hours for phlebitis
- Take the entire drug prescription as prescribed
even after you feel better to prevent resistance
and superinfections
Teaching priorities for taking antibacterial drugs - Take drug evenly in 24 hour period
- Stop taking if you develop hives
- Call 911 if trouble breathing or lump in your
throat
-cillin
Penicillins
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
cef-, ceph-
Cephalosporins
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
Vancomycin
Glycopeptides Telavancin
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
Pregnancy/Lactation: Lower likelihood for birth
defects and fetal harm
- All pass into breast milk which can cause
Life span considerations for cell wall synthesis infants to develop drug allergies
inhibitors Older adults: Glycopeptides can be ototoxic and
nephrotoxic at high doses (many older adults
have reduced hearing and kidney fx)
- monitor for tinnitus and BUN/creatnine
3/17
Pharmacology HESI Exam 1 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS \VERIFIED 100% \GRADED A+
Bactericidal antibiotics Antibiotics that kill bacteria directly.
Antibiotics that do not actually kill bacteria but
Bacteriostatic antibiotics
rather inhibit their growth
Penicillins, cephalosporins, glycopeptide
inhibitors
- Inhibiting cell wall proteins from binding and
prevent them from incorporating
Cell wall synthesis inhibitors
- Creates leaky cell walls from autoylsing
enzymes
- Effective against rapid growing bacteria
- SEs: diarrhea and itching
Aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines
- Interfere with protein synthesis by binding
Protein synthesis inhibitors bacterial ribosomes and prevents translation
- Prevents amino acid linkages
SEs: nausea, rash, lethargy, fever
Sulfonamides, trimethoprim
- Suppress activity of enzymes needed to
convert folic acid in bacteria (can't reproduce or
Metabolism inhibitors make DNA)
- BACTERIOSTATIC
SEs: headache, fever, N/V, photosensitivity
1/17
,7/16/25, 10:37 PM Pharmacology HESI Exam 1
Fluoroquinolones
- Enter bacterial cells and suppress the action of
DNA synthesis inhibitors
2 enzymes that allow bacteria to make DNA
- BACTERICIDAL
Intended response for all antibacterial drugs - Eradication of infectious bacteria
- Normal body temperature
- WBC count between 5,000-10,000
- Absence of drainage and redness or other
symptoms
- Intestinal disturbances, especially diarrhea
Common side effects of antibacterial drugs
- Oral and vaginal yeast infections
Drug allergies and anaphylaxis
- Monitor for chest tightness and SOB
- hypotension, weak pulse
- Hives around IV site
Adverse side effects of antibacterial drugs
- Angioedemia
- Hoarse voice
C. diff.
VERIFY DRUG ALLERGIES BEFORE GIVING
- Check patient's WBC for baseline due to
possible bone marrow suppression
Priority actions BEFORE giving antibacterial
- Check patient's vital signs and mental status
drugs
- Check IV site and blood return (make sure IV
works)
2/17
, 7/16/25, 10:37 PM Pharmacology HESI Exam 1
- Double check drug dosage and compare to
average recommended dose
- Ask patient # of bowel movements and
characteristics (diarrhea vs C. diff vs
pseudomembranous colitis)
- Check patient q15 minutes if giving for the first
Priority actions AFTER giving antibacterial drugs time for allergic reaction
*** If allergy, stop infusion, change IV tubing!
- Monitors signs of infection
- Assess patient's mouth for cottage cheese like
coating on gums/tongue (thrush)
- Assess IV sit q2 hours for phlebitis
- Take the entire drug prescription as prescribed
even after you feel better to prevent resistance
and superinfections
Teaching priorities for taking antibacterial drugs - Take drug evenly in 24 hour period
- Stop taking if you develop hives
- Call 911 if trouble breathing or lump in your
throat
-cillin
Penicillins
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
cef-, ceph-
Cephalosporins
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
Vancomycin
Glycopeptides Telavancin
Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
Pregnancy/Lactation: Lower likelihood for birth
defects and fetal harm
- All pass into breast milk which can cause
Life span considerations for cell wall synthesis infants to develop drug allergies
inhibitors Older adults: Glycopeptides can be ototoxic and
nephrotoxic at high doses (many older adults
have reduced hearing and kidney fx)
- monitor for tinnitus and BUN/creatnine
3/17
