The nurse is teaching a nursing student about the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics. Which statement by the nursing student indicates understanding of this concept?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The minimal effective concentration (MEC) of an antibiotic is the lowest concentration of the drug that is needed to inhibit the growth of a particular microorganism. Therefore, a serum drug level greater than the MEC is sufficient to halt the growth of the microorganism, as stated in option C. Option A is incorrect because a serum drug level greater than the MEC may result in the drug being bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic. Option B is incorrect because a serum drug level greater than the MEC does not necessarily broaden the spectrum of the drug. Option D is incorrect because the therapeutic index is a measure of the safety of a drug, and increasing the serum drug level does not necessarily increase the drug's safety.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Nursing Student About the Minimal