Final answer:
A specific antibiotic is chosen for a toddler with cystic fibrosis and bacterial pneumonia to effectively target the pathogen, often Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known for its antibiotic resistance and ability to thrive in the thickened mucus typical of CF patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The health care provider selected a specific antibiotic for a toddler with cystic fibrosis who has been hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia to target the specific pathogen causing the infection, which in the case of cystic fibrosis, is often Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This pathogen is known for being extremely antibiotic resistant, and for patients with CF, it can adapt to the unique lung conditions and produce a viscous exopolysaccharide that further inhibits lung defenses. The presence of excess dry mucus in the lungs due to a CFTR genetic defect impedes the defensins and mucociliary escalator, making infections more severe and challenging to treat. Thus, the healthcare provider would consider antibiotics known to be effective against P. aeruginosa, and possibly combination therapy, to ensure successful treatment.
Patients with cystic fibrosis are more susceptible to opportunistic bacterial infections like Pseudomonas pneumonia due to the thickened mucus in their lungs. Proper antibiotic therapy is important to avoid the worsening of symptoms and further complications, such as chronic inflammatory response and lung damage, which can lead to increased mortality in CF patients. The choice of antibiotic is also critical to manage any potential antibiotic resistance.