The nurse is teaching a nursing student about the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics. Which statement by the nursing student indicates understanding of this concept?
a. "A serum drug level greater than the MEC ensures that the drug is bacteriostatic."
b. "A serum drug level greater than the MEC broadens the spectrum of the drug."
c. "A serum drug level greater than the MEC helps eradicate bacterial infections."
d. "A serum drug level greater than the MEC increases the therapeutic index."
ANS: C
The MEC is the minimum amount of drug needed to halt the growth of a microorganism. A level greater than the MEC helps eradicate infections. Drugs at or above the MEC are usually bactericidal, not bacteriostatic. Raising the drug level does not usually broaden the spectrum or increase the therapeutic index of a drug.
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