Indications for use
Indications for use ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with sepsis who is receiving empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.
The nurse knows that this type of therapy is indicated for which situations? (Select all that apply.)
Empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is indicated for situations when the causative microorganism is unknown, when the infection is severe or life-threatening, and when there is a need to cover multiple pathogens.
Empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is indicated for situations when the causative microorganism is unknown, when the infection is severe or life-threatening, and when there is a need to cover multiple pathogens.
Empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is indicated for situations when the causative microorganism is unknown, when the infection is severe or life-threatening, and when there is a need to cover multiple pathogens.
Choice D is wrong because empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is not indicated for situations when there is a risk of resistance. On the contrary, this approach can drive antimicrobial overuse and resistance and should be accompanied by a commitment to de-escalation and antimicrobial stewardship.
Choice E is wrong because empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is not indicated for situations when there is a synergistic effect between two or more agents.
Synergistic effect means that the combined effect of two or more agents is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
This may be desirable in some cases, but it is not a reason to use empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.
Empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is indicated for situations when the causative microorganism is unknown, when the infection is severe or life-threatening, and when there is a need to cover multiple pathogens.
Choice D is wrong because empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is not indicated for situations when there is a risk of resistance. On the contrary, this approach can drive antimicrobial overuse and resistance and should be accompanied by a commitment to de-escalation and antimicrobial stewardship.
Choice E is wrong because empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is not indicated for situations when there is a synergistic effect between two or more agents.
Synergistic effect means that the combined effect of two or more agents is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
This may be desirable in some cases, but it is not a reason to use empiric therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.