Question

Question: Which of the following is NOT a recommended action for emergency preparedness?

a. Creating a family emergency plan

b. Stockpiling antibiotics: Stockpiling antibiotics is not recommended because it is impossible to
predict the exact nature of a biological emergency and there is not one antibiotic that effectively
treats all possible bioterrorist-related sicknesses. In addition, inappropriate use of antibiotics
can potentially lead to dangerous side effects and also contributes to the problem of many
organisms developing antibiotic resistance.

c. Becoming knowledgeable about types of potential emergencies and responses

d. Getting an emergency supplies kit

Answer 1

Stockpiling antibiotics is not advised for emergency preparedness due to the risk of fostering antibiotic resistance, which can lead to difficult-to-treat infections and is responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional and known to be effective against the infection. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stockpiling antibiotics is not a recommended action for emergency preparedness. This practice can lead to negative outcomes, such as the development of antibiotic resistance, which is an escalating crisis in the medical community. Many bacterial strains have become resistant to existing antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat.

For example, in the United States, antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for at least 23,000 deaths each year. Medical professionals emphasize the need for prudent prescribing and usage of antibiotics, rather than stockpiling them without proper oversight and specific need.

Moreover, the use of antibiotics when they are not necessary, such as for colds or the flu which are viral infections, contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare provider and when they are confirmed to be effective against the infection.

It is also important to note that there is a problem with the time it takes to develop new effective antibiotics; infections can spread faster than new drugs can be approved, exacerbating the crisis. The medical community is therefore cautious about the use of antibiotics, striving to balance immediate needs with long-term effectiveness.