Final answer:
When a patient is not responding well to Zosyn or shows resistance, it is necessary to change the treatment. This can involve switching to a different antibiotic or using a combination of antibiotics depending on the specific infection and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Alternative antibiotics like vancomycin or tigecycline may be used for drug-resistant infections caused by bacteria like MRSA.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is not getting better or shows resistance to a specific antibiotic like Zosyn, the next step is to change the treatment. This can involve switching to a different antibiotic or using a combination of antibiotics. The choice of treatment depends on the specific infection and the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing.
In some cases, a patient may have an antibiotic-resistant infection caused by bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These infections require alternative antibiotics such as vancomycin or tigecycline, which are effective against drug-resistant bacteria.
It's important for healthcare professionals to perform appropriate diagnostic tests and choose the most suitable antibiotic based on the specific infection and drug susceptibility results to ensure effective treatment.