International Nurses Association

Antibiotics were a great discovery, and have been used to treat infections since the 1930s. Penicillin was discovered in 1928, and has been used since that time, originally referred to as a miracle drug. The fact is, as far back as Egyptian times, molded bread was used to treat wounds on skin, even at that time, they were on the correct road.  When antibiotics were actually discovered and produced as a pharmaceutical product, people thought this would be a cure-all for everything. Some people were simply taking a daily dose to remain healthy.  Antibiotics were certainly a great discovery, but has a good thing gone too far? Decades of Antibiotics During the 50’s and 60’s in particular, if a person had a runny nose or even a stomach ache, they would be prescribed that miracle wonder drug, penicillin.  It was considered a miracle cure, and utilized by physicians everywhere.  Now here we are decades later, and unfortunately that over-prescribing of ...

Many patients assume an antibiotic is the answer to everything, from a head cold to a stomach virus, even an ingrown toenail. So how do you inform a patient that they do not need an antibiotic? Environment What type of environment you are working in has a significant input on informing the patient what their medication is, and is not?   In a private doctor’s office, there is more of a chance that the doctor is willing to discuss the patient's concerns if they are requesting an antibiotic.   In a hospital, well, it's probably on you.   It may be a good time to brush up on the differences of virus versus bacteria, so you will be well informed when educating your patient. Related:   Swallowing Disorders You May See Among Your Patients Bacterial Infections It’s a bit of a misconception that every bacterial infection requires an antibiotic. Some bacterial infections may clear up on their own, depending on severity. A mild sore throat may in fact be bacte...