Question

What must be considered to arrive at the optimal choice of antimicrobial agent for treatment?

Answer 1

When choosing an antimicrobial agent for treatment, several factors must be considered such as the type of infection, patient factors, and the effectiveness of the chosen agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

When choosing an antimicrobial agent for treatment, several factors must be considered to arrive at the optimal choice. These include:

1. Type of infection: For serious systemic infections where there is no time to determine the causative agent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are preferred. Narrow-spectrum agents are used to avoid superinfection and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
2. Patient factors: Age, mass, ability to take oral medications, liver and kidney function, and possible drug interactions should be considered.
3. Chemical agent factors: Length of exposure and concentration of the antimicrobial agent can affect its effectiveness.

Overall, the choice of antimicrobial agent should be based on the type of infection, patient factors, and the effectiveness of the chosen agent.