Final answer:
Osteomyelitis typically requires a longer course of antibiotic treatment, extending for several weeks to months, not just 7-10 days, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that osteomyelitis usually requires a 7-10 day course of antibiotics is false. In fact, the treatment typically involves a longer course of antibiotics, which may range from several weeks to a few months, depending on whether the osteomyelitis is acute or chronic. For acute osteomyelitis, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs such as nafcillin, oxacillin, or cephalosporin are commonly prescribed, while for chronic osteomyelitis, ampicillin and piperacillin/tazobactam may be used. In cases where there is antibiotic resistance, vancomycin may be necessary. Treatment duration is extended to ensure eradication of the infection and to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
A shorter course of treatment is not recommended as it may not only fail to eliminate the infection but also contribute to the selection of drug-resistant bacteria, posing a risk for the spread of resistant infections.