A client asks why the health care provider ordered penicillin for the client's infection. How ...

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Most penicillins are effective against gram-positive bacteria.
Rationale 2: Most penicillins have a narrow spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
Rationale 3: Penicillins are widely distributed to most body tissues, but only small amounts reach the CSF.
Rationale 4: Nearly all penicillins are rapidly excreted by the kidneys.
Rationale 5: Even a small dose of penicillin can elicit an allergic reaction in a susceptible client.
Global Rationale: Although each drug in this class has certain unique properties, some generalizations may be made about the penicillins: most are more effective against gram-positive bacteria, although a few have activity against gram-negative bacteria; most have a narrow spectrum of antimicrobial activity; they are widely distributed to most body tissues, although only small amounts reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); nearly all are rapidly excreted by the kidneys; most have short half-lives. Allergic reactions are the most common adverse effects of the penicillins and ones that require careful attention by nurses.