Final answer:
The treatment for meningitis often involves the use of antibiotics. Ampicillin and gentamicin are prescribed until the 48-hour cultures are negative, and cefotaxime and ampicillin are added if meningitis is suspected.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of meningitis, the treatment often involves the use of antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics depends on the suspected cause of meningitis and the sensitivity of the bacteria to the antibiotics.
In the given scenario, ampicillin and gentamicin are prescribed to the patient until the 48-hour cultures are negative. This means that these antibiotics are given intravenously until the tests come back negative for the presence of bacteria.
If meningitis is suspected, cefotaxime and ampicillin are added to the treatment regimen. This combination is used because these antibiotics are effective against the types of bacteria that commonly cause meningitis.