HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient who has recurrent urinary tract infections. The patient's current infection is not responding to an antibiotic that has been used successfully several times in the past. The nurse understands that this is most likely due to

  • A. acquired bacterial resistance.
  • B. cross-resistance.
  • C. inherent bacterial resistance.
  • D. transferred resistance.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: acquired bacterial resistance. Acquired resistance happens when an organism has been exposed to the antibacterial drug, making it less effective over time. Cross-resistance (B) occurs when resistance to one drug leads to resistance to another. Inherent resistance (C) happens without prior exposure to the drug, meaning the bacteria are naturally resistant. Transferred resistance (D) involves the transfer of resistant genes from one organism to another, contributing to resistance development.