By following these best practices below, caregivers can play a vital role in ensuring residents receive the full benefit of their antibiotic treatment while minimizing the risks associated with improper use and contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Proper administration
- Follow instructions meticulously: Adhere to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and any specific instructions regarding food intake (with or without food) or other medications. IF A RESIDENT REFUSES, IS UNABLE TO TAKE AN ANTIBIOTIC OR OTHERWISE MISSES A DOSE, REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR AND MAKE A NOTE ON THE BACK OF THE MAR SHEET. notes the University of Rochester Medical Center.
- Pay attention to updates on the MAR sheets for additions like antibiotics. ALWAYS USE THE MAR SHEET WHEN POURING MEDICATIONS SO THAT YOU DO NOT MISS A NEW MEDICATION LIKE AN ANTIBIOTIC. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK YOUR POUR FOR BEING CORRECT BEFORE PASSING THE MEDICATION.
- Maintain a schedule: Taking antibiotics at the same time every day ensures consistent drug levels, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
- Use appropriate techniques: If applicable, ensure residents can properly administer the medication (e.g., crushing tablets (WITH DOCTORS ORDERS), using specific administration devices i.e. for correct liquid measurement, and offer assistance when needed.
3. Monitoring and follow-up
- Observe for side effects and allergies: Regularly check residents for signs of side effects, including severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), and be prepared to respond to emergencies, says Healthdirect.
- Track symptoms and report changes: Monitor residents’ symptoms and overall condition, and promptly report any changes or concerns to the prescribing healthcare professional.
- Facilitate follow-up appointments: The Administrator (Me) will: Schedule and remind residents about follow-up appointments to ensure their treatment is progressing as expected and any adjustments can be made, says eyesofhope.com.
4. Preventing antibiotic resistance
- Promote judicious antibiotic use: Encourage residents and their families to only use antibiotics when prescribed for bacterial infections and not to pressure healthcare providers for unnecessary prescriptions, according to the CDC.
- Practice good hygiene: Reinforce the importance of handwashing and other infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections and reduce the need for antibiotics, says the CDC.
- Support antibiotic stewardship programs: Understand and support your facility’s antibiotic stewardship efforts to ensure antibiotics are used effectively and appropriately.
Common antibiotics include:
- Fluoroquinolones: These are broad-spectrum antibiotics that work by preventing bacteria from copying their DNA. A common form of this type is ciprofloxacin. They are used for:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Respiratory tract infections.
- Prostatitis.
- Severe salmonellosis.
- Sulfonamides: These antibiotics inhibit bacteria from utilizing folic acid, which is necessary for DNA production. Bactrim is a common brand in this class. They are prescribed for:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Tonsillitis.
- Septicemia.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Meningococcal meningitis.