A toddler-age child with otitis media is prescribed amoxicillin clavulanate 250 mg/5 mL three times daily by mouth for 10 days. Which should the nurse teach the mother about this medication?
A) "It is ok to stop the antibiotic if the child begins to have side effects."
B) "Give the antibiotic for the full ten days as prescribed."
C) "It is important to measure the prescribed dose in a household teaspoon."
D) "Be sure to administer a loading dose of the medication when you get home."
Answer: B
Antibiotics must be administered for the full number of days ordered to prevent mutation of resistant strains of bacteria. A loading dose was not ordered. A household teaspoon could contain less than 5ml, and the full dose must be given. Stopping the antibiotic before the prescribed time will permit remaining bacteria to reproduce, and the otitis media will return, possibly with antibiotic-resistant organisms.
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