Final answer:
Preoperative antibiotics are commonly administered to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during surgical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preoperative antibiotics are commonly administered to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during surgical procedures. These antibiotics are given before surgery to prevent infection at the surgical site or in other areas of the body that may be at risk.
For example, patients undergoing joint replacement, open heart surgery, or certain gastrointestinal surgeries are often given preoperative antibiotics. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the bacteria that may be on the skin or within the body, minimizing the risk of infection.
It's important to note that the specific antibiotic regimen and duration of treatment may vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient's risk factors.