12 Questions
Why is it important to carefully control the concentration (CONC) of antimicrobial drugs?
To ensure the drug is effective against the microorganism but not harmful to the host
What are some factors that need to be considered when selecting an antimicrobial agent?
Safety of the agent and cost of therapy
When is empiric therapy indicated in the treatment of infections?
Before bacterial identification and susceptibility testing
What is an essential step in selecting the proper drug to treat an infection?
Direct microscopic visualization of the organism
Why might immediate empiric therapy be necessary in critically ill patients?
To prevent fatal delays in treatment
What is the primary objective when selecting an antimicrobial agent?
To selectively target the microorganism while being safe for the host
Which statement accurately describes the factors influencing drug choice for treating infections of unknown origin?
Drug choice is influenced by the site of infection and the patient's history, including previous infections, age, recent travel, antimicrobial therapy, immune status, and whether the infection was hospital- or community-acquired.
In a newborn infant with gram-positive cocci in the spinal fluid, which organism is most likely the causative agent?
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci)
For a 40-year-old patient with gram-positive cocci in the spinal fluid, which antibiotic is often required for treatment?
A high-dose third-generation cephalosporin or vancomycin
Which statement accurately describes the difference between bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs?
Bacteriostatic drugs arrest the growth and replication of bacteria until the immune system can eliminate them, while bactericidal drugs kill bacteria.
Which statement accurately describes the classification of an antibiotic as bacteriostatic or bactericidal?
The classification is relative, and an antibiotic can be bacteriostatic for one organism and bactericidal for another.
What is the difference between the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of an antibiotic?
MIC is the lowest concentration that prevents visible growth, while MBC is the lowest concentration that results in a 99.9% decline in colony count.
Test your knowledge on how antimicrobial drugs achieve selective toxicity and the importance of carefully controlling drug concentrations. Learn about the factors involved in selecting the most appropriate antimicrobial agent based on the organism's identity and susceptibility.
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