Author Question: For which patient would a topical antiseptic be most appropriate? a. A patient with a systemic ... (Read 41 times)

ss2343 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

For which patient would a topical antiseptic be most appropriate?

a. A patient with a systemic infection
b. A patient with a medium-sized abscess
c. A patient who has a wound with moderate exudate
d. A patient who needs to have wounds cleansed for prophylaxis

Question 2

A nursing student asks a nurse why systemic antibiotics and not topical antiseptic agents are used to treat localized skin infections. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

a. Systemic agents are not affected by wound exudates.
b. Systemic agents penetrate to the site of infection.
c. Topical agents can damage inflamed or abraded tissues.
d. Topical agents work only against estab-lished local infections.

eliasc0401 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Antiseptics are useful as prophylaxis; when applied properly, they can help cleanse wounds and reduce microbial contamination. A patient with a systemic infection is treated with a systemic anti-infective drug. An abscess must be incised and drained, and a topical agent cannot signifi-cantly penetrate the skin to be effective. A wound with moderate exudates requires antibiotic therapy.

Answer to Question 2

D
Topical antiseptics are not used to treat established local infections. Systemic agents are more effective, because they are not affected by wound exudates. They penetrate to the site of infec-tion, and they do not damage inflamed or abraded tissues.