Two weeks after a cast is applied, a foul odor is detected at the lower end of the cast. A window is made in the cast over the infected area and an antibiotic is prescribed. After 3 days on antibiotic therapy, which effect would be most indicative of a therapeutic response?
A)WBC is 7,900/mm3
B)Temperature is 99.4°F
C)No complaints of pain
D)Appetite is fairly good

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most objective measure of the effectiveness of an antibiotic is a return of the white blood cell count to normal (WBC: 5,000-10,000/mm3). A low-grade temperature (Choice B) may indicate a lingering infection. No complaints of pain and a good appetite (Choices C and D) are both good clinical indicators, but not as objective or as clearly measurable as the white blood cell count.

Two Weeks After a Cast Is Applied, a Foul Odor