Final answer:
For an adult patient with a sore throat not requiring antibiotics, OTC pain relievers, throat lozenges, fluid intake, and rest are appropriate treatments. Educating patients about the risks of antibiotic resistance is key, and a 'wait and see' approach may be best for viral infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering treatment for an adult patient with a sore throat where antibiotics (abx) are not indicated, due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential side effects, there are other options to help provide relief and support recovery.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce throat pain and fevers.
In addition, throat lozenges, increased fluid intake, and rest can help alleviate symptoms.
It is important to educate patients on the risks associated with inappropriate antibiotic use and to support a 'wait and see' approach when it is appropriate, as many sore throats are caused by viral infections that antibiotics would not aid in treating.