Author Question: In which of the following scenarios would the nurse consider antibiotic therapy to be prophylactic? ... (Read 104 times)

nmorano1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

In which of the following scenarios would the nurse consider antibiotic therapy to be prophylactic? (Select all that apply.)

a. Patient with neutropenia and cancer who experiences fever and cough
b. Patient with a fever of unknown origin
c. Patient undergoing an operation for a compound fracture
d. Patient with an artificial heart valve who is scheduled for hernia repair
e. Patient with a new diagnosis of endocarditis

Question 2

The nurse, who is teaching a group of nursing students, asks, How can nurses reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections? Which responses by the students best demonstrate understanding? (Select all that apply.)

a. Nurses can break the chain of transmission of infections.
b. Nurses can remove invasive devices as soon as possible.
c. Nurses can use broad-spectrum antibiotics for colonization.
d. Nurses can reserve antibiotics for only life-threatening infections.
e. Nurses can encourage patients to get vaccinations.

macagnavarro · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C, D
Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is appropriate for patients undergoing an operation for a compound fracture because it is a dirty surgery. It also is appropriate for a patient with an artificial heart valve who is scheduled for a hernia repair, because it reduces the patient's risk of bacterial endocarditis.
Not enough information is provided to determine whether the patient with neutropenia, cancer, fever, and cough needs antibiotic therapy.
A patient with a fever of unknown origin may or may not need a broad-spectrum antibiotic, depending on the diagnosis.
A patient with a new diagnosis of endocarditis does not need prophylactic antibiotic therapy, because the patient already has an infection. Prophylaxis is given to prevent an infection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, E
Nurses can reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections by breaking any link in the chain of infection. Removing invasive lines and devices as soon as possible can reduce the risk of infection. Encouraging patients to get vaccinations reduces their susceptibility to opportunistic nosocomial infections, because they will have built up antibodies against the organisms.
Using broad-spectrum antibiotics would increase the risk of wiping out good bacteria in the body, leaving the patient susceptible.
Antibiotics should not be reserved for life-threatening infections, for obvious reasons.