Final answer:
It is true that hip replacement patients require antibiotics prior to major dental procedures to prevent infections, specifically hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduce the risk of such infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that hip replacement patients need antibiotics before major dental procedures. The reasoning behind this is to prevent the risk of infections, including hospital-acquired infections (HAI), which can be introduced into the bloodstream during invasive procedures like dental work. Given that patients with hip replacements are at a higher risk for infection due to the presence of an artificial joint, proactively reducing this risk using antibiotics is vital. In fact, evidence has shown that taking prophylactic antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of HAIs, as seen in the example provided. Therefore, proper antibiotic prophylaxis is an essential part of post-operative care for patients with hip replacements, especially prior to procedures which have the potential to introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.