Question

A patient is receiving gentamicin once daily. A nursing student asks the nurse how the drug can be effective if given only once a day. The nurse explains drug dosing schedules for aminoglycosides. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

a."Gentamicin has a longer half-life than other aminoglycosides."
b."Large doses given once daily yield higher peak levels."
c."The postantibiotic effect lasts for several hours."
d."There is less risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity with large daily doses."

Answer 1

a."Gentamicin has a longer half-life than other aminoglycosides."

Explanation:

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside that binds to bacterial ribosomal proteins and causes the inhibition of the protein synthesis, killing the bacteria. The killing can continue for long periods after administrating the drug and even once that the concentrations of this one can no longer be detected in the plasma. That is the reason why this drug is given once a day.