Intravenous Antibiotics: Where We Are and Where We’re Going – ß-lactams

For a complete list of accreditations for this course, please see the accreditation information box below the author’s bio.  All states  recognize our courses for accredited continuing nursing education, CNE, contact hours.

This instructional course has been designed for nurses administering and/or caring for the patient receiving intravenous antibiotics. I.V. antibiotics have been administered for nearly a century but bacterial resistance has forced an ever-increasing arsenal of drugs. In this often- changing landscape, the nurse needs a working knowledge of the antimicrobial agents available, and competency to infuse these medications in all the various administration systems in use today. This course examines the medication family known as beta-lactam antibiotics, and the various classes of drugs within this family.

State Boards of Nursing have varying positions on the role of the LPN/LVN in the administration of infusion therapy, including the administration of antimicrobial agents. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the nurse’s employer, facility or institution. This course provides 2.00  contact hours of continuing education.

Objectives

Upon completion of this curriculum, the nurse will be able to:

1. Identify at least two actions that have increased the incidence of antibiotic resistance.
2. Describe the use of various intravenous antibiotic admixture containers and delivery systems.
3. Identify the classifications of intravenous beta-lactam antibiotics and medications belonging to each class.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Antibiotic resistance
• Intravenous antibiotic administration systems
• Clostridium difficile

Chapter 2: Penicillins

• Penicillin G
• Nacillin
• Piperacillin
• Ampicillin
• Aztreonam – monobactam

Chapter 3: Cephalosporins

• First through fifth generation
• Indications
• Administration
• Side Effects

Chapter 4: Carbopenems

• Imipenem/Cilastatin
• Meropenem
• Ertapenem
• Dorapenem

Chapter 5: Antibiotic Stewardship

• New antibiotic initiative
• Phage therapy
• Supplements