Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What is the primary action of Cephalosporin antibiotics like cefaclor?

1. Enhance immune response

2. Stop growth of bacteria

3. Relieve pain

4. Reduce inflammation

The correct answer is: Stop growth of bacteria

Cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefaclor, primarily function by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. They do this by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is critical for bacterial survival. When the cell wall is compromised, it leads to cell lysis and ultimately the death of the bacteria, making cephalosporins effective in treating various bacterial infections. While enhancing immune response is important in some areas of medicine, it does not describe the mechanism of action for antibiotics. Similarly, relieving pain and reducing inflammation pertain more to analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, which work through entirely different pathways in the body. Therefore, the correct choice of stopping the growth of bacteria accurately captures the primary action of cephalosporin antibiotics like cefaclor.