10.8: Antibiotic Patient Teaching
- Page ID
- 90425
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Patient education regarding antibiotics is crucial to ensure these medications are used effectively and responsibly. Patient education is vital in promoting responsible antibiotic use and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The medical assistant should take the time to communicate these important messages to patients to ensure that antibiotics are used safely and effectively when needed if it is within their duties.
Purpose of Antibiotics: Explain that antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold or flu. Taking antibiotics for viral infections is ineffective and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Follow the Provider's Instructions: Stress the importance of following the provider's instructions regarding the antibiotic dosage, frequency, and duration. Completing the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished, is essential to eradicate the infection completely.
Never Share Antibiotics: Emphasize that antibiotics are prescribed for specific individuals and conditions. Patients should never share their antibiotics with others or use antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
Ask Questions: Encourage patients to ask questions about their antibiotics. They should understand why the medication was prescribed, how to take it, and any potential side effects to watch for.
Side Effects: Discuss common side effects of antibiotics, such as diarrhea or upset stomach. The provider will most likely encourage the patient to continue the antibiotic unless gastrointestinal symptoms are severe.
Adverse Reactions: Patients should immediately report or seek medical attention if they have any signs of allergic reaction, including rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, or altered consciousness. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so it is essential to address these symptoms immediately.
Avoid Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice: Some antibiotics can interact with alcohol or grapefruit juice, potentially leading to adverse effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication. Patients should ask their healthcare provider about specific dietary restrictions.
Storage and Expiration: Explain the importance of storing antibiotics as directed, typically in a cool, dry place. Patients should not use expired antibiotics and should dispose of them properly.
Prevent Recurrent Infections: Educate patients on preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrent infections, such as proper hand hygiene, vaccination, and lifestyle changes, if applicable (e.g., smoking cessation for respiratory diseases).
Responsible Antibiotic Use: Stress the importance of using antibiotics responsibly to combat antibiotic resistance. Explain how overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to developing drug-resistant bacteria, making infections more challenging to treat in the future.
Follow-Up: Advise patients to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and ensure the infection has been successfully treated (MedlinePlus, 2023a).