5.1 - Clinical Correlate

Question 1

A 38-year-old female complains of 5 days of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and postnasal drip. On examination her vitals are stable with a temp of 100F. Nasal discharge is yellow and the posterior pharynx is slightly erythematous. Tapping over the maxillary sinuses elicits mild pain. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient? (A) treatment of symptoms (analgesics,antipyretics, decongestants) (B) 7-day course of amoxicillin (C) 10-day course of amoxicillin clavulanic acid (D) 14-day course of clarithromycin

Answer 1

(A) treatment of symptoms (analgesics,antipyretics, decongestants) This is because the infection is viral not bacterial.

Question 2

What are things that a doctor can do to help prevent antibiotic resistance?

Answer 2

1) Only prescribe antibiotic therapy when likely to be beneficial to the patient 2) Use an agent targeting the likely pathogens 3) Use the antibiotic for the appropriate dose and duration

Question 3

Why should we not always give antibiotics for viral infections?

Answer 3

Does not treat viruses and creates antibiotic resistants in bacteria.

Question 4

Part 1: What are some ways that patients can prevent increasing antibiotic resistant bacteria?

Answer 4

1) Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance: 2) Ask whether an antibiotic is likely to be beneficial for your illness 3) Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu. 4) Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick. Discard any leftover medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment.

Question 5

Part 2: What are some other ways that patients can prevent increasing antibiotic resistant bacteria?

Answer 5

1) Take an antibiotic exactly as the healthcare provider tells you. Do not skip doses. Complete the prescribed course of treatment even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect. 2) Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply. 3) If your healthcare provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about ways to help relieve your symptoms. Do not pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic.

Question 6

What are some examples of common viral infection signs/symptoms that should not be treated with antibiotics?

Answer 6

1) Colds 2) Flu 3) Most coughs and bronchitis 4) Sore throats (except for those resulting from strep throat) 5) Some ear infections 6) Most sinus infections

Question 7

What does antibiotic resistant mean?

Answer 7

1) The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic 2) Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may be left to grow and multiply 3) Bacteria that were at one time susceptible to an antibiotic can acquire resistance through mutation of their genetic material or by acquiring pieces of DNA that code for the resistance properties from other bacteria

Question 8

What was the first antibiotic and who discovered it?

Answer 8

The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in 1929 by Sir Alexander Fleming, who observed inhibition of staphylococci on an agar plate contaminated by a Penicillium mold.

Question 9

What is an example of a common bacteria that is antibiotic resistant and causes diarrhea and can be part of your normal bacterial flora?

Answer 9

Clostridium difficle