A child with an upper respiratory infection caused by B. pertussis is receiving erythromycin ethylsuccinate. After 2 days of treatment, the parent asks the nurse why the child's symptoms have not improved. Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. "Erythromycin eliminates the bacteria that causes the infection, but not the toxin that causes the symptoms."
b. "We may need to add penicillin or another antibiotic to increase the antimicrobial spectrum."
c. "We will need to review the culture sensitivity information to see whether a different antibiotic is indicated."
d. "Your child may have developed a suprainfection that we need to culture and treat."
ANS: A
Erythromycin is the drug of first choice for treating pertussis infections. Because symptoms are caused by a bacterial toxin and not by the bacteria itself, the drug eliminates the bacteria but does little to alter the course of the disease. It is given to lower infectivity. It is not necessary to add another antibiotic, review the sensitivity information, or look for a suprainfection.
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