Final answer:
The nurse should inform the client that an additional form of birth control is recommended when taking tetracycline, as it can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Tetracycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and can cause common side effects such as GI upset.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct instruction by the nurse to a female client about therapy with tetracycline (Sumycin) is "If taking oral contraceptives, an additional form of birth control is recommended." This is because tetracycline can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, leading to increased risk of unintended pregnancy. The statement about absorption not being affected by foods is incorrect because tetracycline's absorption can be inhibited by the concurrent ingestion of calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum-containing products. Tetracycline should not necessarily be taken at bedtime on an empty stomach; in fact, taking it with a small amount of food might minimize gastrointestinal upset which can be a side effect. Gastrointestinal upset is also not rare with tetracycline use; it's one of the more common side effects.
Tetracyclines, including doxycycline and tigecycline, have been known for their broad spectrum antibacterial activity, but they come with side effects like phototoxicity, effects on teeth development, and potential liver toxicity. Tetracycline works by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, which halts protein synthesis by preventing the attachment of tRNA to the ribosome, making it an effective antibiotic while generally not harming the host due to differences in bacterial and eukaryotic ribosome structures.