Which of the following common habit of patients may cause microbes to re-populate and re-establish an infection?
The patient stops taking the drug when he or she begins to feel better
The patient switches to multiple drug therapy from single drug therapy
The patient uses OTC drugs prophylactically
The patient increases the drug dosage when he or she perceives that the therapeutic effect of the drug is slowing down
The Correct Answer is A
A. The patient stops taking the drug when he or she begins to feel better:
This choice refers to the common habit where patients discontinue their prescribed medication once they start to feel improvement in their symptoms, even if they haven't completed the full course of treatment. This premature cessation of medication can leave some microbes alive and potentially resistant to the antibiotic, allowing them to regrow and cause a recurrence of the infection.
B. The patient switches to multiple drug therapy from single drug therapy:
This choice describes a scenario where a patient switches from a single drug therapy to multiple drug therapy. While this may be a valid treatment approach in some cases, it is not directly related to the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
C. The patient uses OTC drugs prophylactically:
This choice involves patients using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs preventively without consulting a healthcare professional. While OTC drugs may have their own set of issues, such as contributing to antibiotic resistance, this behavior isn't specifically linked to the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
D. The patient increases the drug dosage when he or she perceives that the therapeutic effect of the drug is slowing down:
This choice describes a scenario where a patient independently increases the dosage of their medication without consulting a healthcare provider. While inappropriate dosage adjustments can lead to adverse effects, it doesn't directly address the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Echinacea:
Echinacea is an herbal supplement commonly used to support the immune system and reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. However, there is limited evidence to support its efficacy in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). While it may have some immune-boosting properties, it is not typically recommended specifically for UTI prevention.
B. Saw palmetto:
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement often used for prostate health and to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It is not typically used for preventing urinary tract infections in either men or women.
C. Black cohosh:
Black cohosh is an herbal supplement commonly used by women to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings. It is not typically used for preventing urinary tract infections.
D. Cranberry juice:
Cranberry juice and cranberry supplements have long been studied for their potential role in preventing urinary tract infections, particularly in women. Cranberry contains compounds that may prevent bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection. While the evidence supporting cranberry's effectiveness in preventing UTIs is mixed, some studies suggest that it may be beneficial, especially in individuals prone to recurrent UTIs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed:
This statement is incorrect. When treating MRSA infections, it's essential to prescribe antibiotic dosages that achieve adequate concentrations to effectively combat the resistant bacteria. Suboptimal dosages or inadequate duration of treatment can contribute to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of prescribing appropriate dosages of antibiotics for MRSA infections.
B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible:
This statement is not accurate. While broad-spectrum antibiotics may be effective against a wide range of bacteria, they are not always the preferred choice for treating MRSA infections. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including those commonly used as broad-spectrum agents. Therefore, the treatment of MRSA typically involves antibiotics that are specifically effective against this resistant strain, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or other agents based on susceptibility testing. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client that specific antibiotics effective against MRSA are used, rather than relying solely on broad-spectrum antibiotics.
C. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present:
This statement is incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including those caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold. MRSA is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are indicated for its treatment. However, it's essential to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance. The nurse should educate the client that antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections like MRSA, but they are not appropriate for viral infections.
D. Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics:
This statement is accurate. Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, including high doses, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria like MRSA can acquire resistance mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective, even at high doses. Therefore, it's crucial to use antibiotics judiciously, following appropriate dosing guidelines and duration of treatment, to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. The nurse should include this information in the teaching to emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in the management of MRSA infections.
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