A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old girl in the pediatric intensive care unit. She was admitted following three days of bloody diarrhea and fever. Her parents report she had fewer wet diapers than normal. She was admitted with hyperkalemia, as well as increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, indicating acute renal failure. After further lab work, the toddler is diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), possibly caused by drinking unpasteurized milk.
-The child's parents ask the nurse to explain why their child has not received antibiotics.Which of the following statements are true about the use of antibiotic therapy in HUS?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are of no help and may increase the pathology in HUS. This is because the pathogenesis of HUS is the result of a toxin produced by E.coli, which is released when the bacteria die. Antibiotics may cause a large amount of bacteria to die at once, leading to increased toxin release and worsening of the condition. Therefore, antibiotics are not typically used in the treatment of HUS.

A Nurse Is Caring for an 18-Month-Old Girl in the Pediatric