Antibiotic resistance has become a major healthcare challenge in the healthcare industry. According to statistics, approximately 35000 people die in the United States each year due to antibiotics resistance infections. This challenge has prompted the center for disease control to initiate campaigns such as Be Antibiotics Aware to combat antibiotic resistance.
Towards the end of the year 2019, Michelle, a workmate, was put on antibiotics for six months. Her health demonstrated significant improvement until the last month, when the antibiotics seemed not to be working on her anymore. Ongoing back to the healthcare facility, the nurses detected antibiotic resistance. The nurse regretted that Michelle could have been put on alternative medication to avoid antibiotic resistance. There is a need to improve antibiotic prescribing. Statistics indicate that approximately 28% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary and can be avoided (Center for Disease Control, 2021). According to the Center for Disease Control, unnecessary antibiotics prescription is a significant challenge in enhancing antibiotics' effective use and curbing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are only essential during the treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotics should only be applied in the treatment of life-threatening infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. Nurses should avoid prescribing antibiotics in the treatment of viral infections.
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Cephalosporins are one of the categories of antibiotics commonly prescribed to patients with various types of bacterial infections. One of the antibiotics in this class of antibiotics is cefuroxime. It is also referred to as Zinnat and Zinacef. The antibacterial works by altering the bacteria cell wall formation. The antibiotic reduces the strength of the bonds that hold the cell walls together, making holes in the cell walls resulting in the eventual destruction of the bacteria causing the infection (Kapoor et al., 2017). However, cefuroxime antibiotic does not kill eukaryotic cells. It does not inhibit protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells since it does not bind to eukaryotic ribosomes.
Response to Maxine Barrett
I agree with Maxine that many people rarely associate the use of strong bacterial soaps with antibacterial resistance. Many soaps today have antibiotics as one of the component ingredients (Morehead & Scarbrough, 2018). Some of the antibacterials are found in toothpaste and, in some instances, mattress pads. The use of antibacterial soap has been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resistance nature of bacteria to antibacterial soap was evident when FDA compelled manufacturers of liquid soap form using triclosan in the manufacture of liquid soap. Bacteria have a unique way to adapt by resisting antibacterial soaps. The use of alcohol has been the alternative solution to the use of antibacterial soaps. In the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, the world health organization urges people across the world to adopt the use of alcohol-based sanitizers in sanitizing their hands. The use of antibacterial soaps results in antibiotic resistance.
Response to Rebecca Evans
I agree with Rebecca that many patients consuming antibiotics have little knowledge of the dangers associated with the use of antibiotics. Many people result using antibiotics when infected with infections such as ear infections and flu. This is a dangerous habit that is likely to enable bacteria in the body to resist antibacterial drugs and medication (Center for Disease Control, 2021). Some people prefer to do self-medication rather than visiting healthcare professionals. Many people underestimate infections such as ear infections and flu and do not see the need to seek a doctor. This trend plays a significant role in increasing the rate of bacteria resistance to the use of antibiotics. By visiting doctors, doctors give the best alternatives rather than the use of antibiotics where alternatives exist. Where there are no alternatives, doctors prescribe antibiotics for a limited duration of time to prevent antibiotic resistance.
References
Appropriate Antibiotic Use | Antibiotic Use | CDC . Cdc.gov. (2021). Retrieved 8 April 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/ .
Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care | Patient Safety | CDC . Cdc.gov. (2021). Retrieved 8 April 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/patientsafety/features/be-antibiotics-aware.html .
Kapoor, G., Saigal, S., & Elongavan, A. (2017). Action and resistance mechanisms of antibiotics: A guide for clinicians. Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology , 33 (3), 300.
Morehead, M. S., & Scarbrough, C. (2018). Emergence of global antibiotic resistance. Prim Care , 45 (3), 467-484.
