A 45-year-old female presents to the emergency department. She reports the onset of a sore throat, cough and rhinorrhea about five days ago. She is now experiencing weakness in her arms and difficulty breathing. She is evaluated in the emergency room and admitted to the intensive care unit. In the provider's initial assessment, the patient is noted to have gross inflammation of her pharynx and tonsils, with grayish-white patches in the pharynx. A throat swab and additional specimens are sent for microbial analysis. The patient is placed in isolation.
-The patient's clinical condition deteriorates rapidly.Even without laboratory confirmation of the pathogen,the provider orders which course of treatment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms, including sore throat, cough, and grayish-white patches in the pharynx, are consistent with diphtheria. The weakness in her arms and difficulty breathing suggest that the toxin produced by the diphtheria bacteria has affected her respiratory muscles. Even before laboratory confirmation, it is important to start treatment with antitoxin to neutralize the toxin and prevent further damage. Treatment with antibiotics is also necessary to eradicate the bacteria.

A 45-Year-Old Female Presents to the Emergency Department