Question

Pseudomonas infections are very common in hospital settings. Why would it be important for doctors to determine the bacterial load before treating an infected patient?

a) To identify the strain of Pseudomonas
b) To estimate the severity of the infection
c) To measure the patient's immune response
d) To determine the source of the infection

Answer 1

Doctors must determine the bacterial load in Pseudomonas infections to assess the severity and guide treatment intensity.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important for doctors to determine the bacterial load before treating an infected patient with a Pseudomonas infection to estimate the severity of the infection. Knowing the bacterial load can help in understanding the progression of the infection and how aggressively it needs to be treated. It is not directly related to identifying the strain of Pseudomonas, measuring the patient’s immune response, or determining the source of the infection, even though those are also important considerations in managing an infection.