According to antimicrobial stewardship principles, what should happen to a patient's empirical intravenous antibiotics at 48 to 72 hours?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Review the response and culture results, then stop, switch or continue with a plan
- Step 1: The 'Start Smart, then Focus' approach reduces unnecessary broad-spectrum use. Step 2. At the 48 to 72 hour review decide to stop, switch to oral, change or continue, and document it. Answer: Review the response and culture results, then stop, switch or continue with a plan. Why not the others: Unreviewed continuation fuels resistance. Stopping regardless of the patient's state is unsafe. Automatic dose increases are inappropriate.
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