Final answer:
Fluoroquinolones, such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Norfloxacin, are a class of antibiotics used to treat a wide range of infections. Nurses should be aware of their effectiveness against different types of bacteria but also be cautious about potential side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Levofloxacin (Levaquin), and Norfloxacin (Noroxin), are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat a wide range of infections.
When considering these drugs, nurses should be aware of their effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making them suitable for treating various types of infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, abdominal infections, and skin infections.
However, it is vital for nurses to be cautious about the potential side effects associated with fluoroquinolones, including phototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, glucose metabolism dysfunction, and an increased risk for tendon rupture.