Author Question: A patient has a localized skin infection, which is most likely caused by a gram-positive cocci. ... (Read 189 times)

tatyanajohnson · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient has a localized skin infection, which is most likely caused by a gram-positive cocci. Until the culture and sensitivity results are available, the nurse will expect the provider to order a _____-spectrum _____ agent.

a. broad; systemic
b. broad; topical
c. narrow; systemic
d. narrow; topical

Question 2

A parent asks a nurse if the provider will prescribe an antibiotic for a child who attends school with several children who have strep throat. The child is complaining of a sore throat and has a fever. What will be the nurse's response?

a. Because strep throat is likely, your child should be treated empirically.
b. With good hand washing, your child should not get strep throat.
c. Your child probably has strep throat, so your provider will order an antibiotic.
d. Your child should come to the clinic to have a throat culture done today.

Zack0mack0101@yahoo.com · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When infections are treated before the causative agent has been identified, and after cultures have been obtained, antibiotics may be used based on the knowledge of which microbes are most likely to cause infection at that particular site. Because this is a localized infection, a topical agent is recommended. Unless the infection is very serious, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic is best.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Whenever possible, the infecting organism should be identified before antibiotics are started, even if there is a strong suspicion that a particular organism is present. The nurse is correct in telling the parent to bring the child to the clinic for a throat culture. Fever and sore throat have other causes, so it is not correct to treat this child empirically, especially because these symptoms are not severe or life threatening. Although good hand washing is always indicated, this child already has symptoms and needs to be evaluated. Antibiotics should not be started until indicated by cultures.