Final answer:
For a patient with a wound infection, an antibiotic would be prescribed. Antiseptics like Betadine can be used on living tissues to prevent infection. Oral administration of antimicrobials is preferred for home treatment of systemic infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication that would be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a wound infection is an antibiotic. Antibiotics are drugs designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for infections. In contrast to antipyretics which reduce fever, antihypertensives which lower blood pressure, and analgesics which relieve pain, antibiotics directly address the bacterial cause of the infection. For a wound infection specifically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a healthcare provider would consider the patient's medical history, the severity of the infection, potential antibiotic resistance patterns, and then select an appropriate antibiotic medication.
When harmful microbes are present in tissues and a need to prevent infection arises, an antiseptic such as Betadine (povidone-iodine) can be applied topically to the affected area. Its purpose is to control microbial growth and is suitable for use on living tissues. Unlike disinfectants, which are used on non-living surfaces, or sterilants, which completely eliminate all forms of microbial life, antiseptics help to prevent infection without damaging tissues.
For treating a systemic infection at home, the preferred route of administration would likely be oral. Oral antibiotics are convenient, typically safe, and less invasive than intravenous or parenteral methods. Topical administration is more suitable for localized infections of the skin or superficial tissues, and would not be appropriate for systemic infections that affect the entire body.