The goal of prophylactic antibiotic therapy is to protect the patient from infection with as little risk as possible.To achieve this goal,the nurse recognizes that antibiotics should be administered when they will be most beneficial.When would that be?
A)Twenty-four hours before surgery
B)For 2 weeks after surgery
C)For no longer than 24 hours after surgery
D)When signs of infection first appear

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Overall,it is recommended that prophylactic antibiotics be given as close to the time of incision as possible (within 30 to 60 minutes)and not be given for longer than 24 hours postoperatively.However,vancomycin and fluoroquinolones may be given up to 2 hours before incision because of their longer infusion times.The goal of prophylactic antibiotic therapy is to protect the patient from infection with as little risk as possible.To achieve this goal,antibiotics must be administered when they will be most beneficial.

The Goal of Prophylactic Antibiotic Therapy Is to Protect the Patient