A woman struggling with a bacterial illness is prescribed a month's supply of a potent antibiotic. She takes the antibiotic for about two weeks and feels much better. Should she save the remaining two-week supply, or should she continue taking the drug?
A) She should save the drug for later, because if she keeps taking it the bacteria will evolve resistance.
B) She should save the drug for use the next time the illness strikes.
C) She should save the drug because antibiotics are in short supply, and she may need it to defend herself against a bioterrorism incident.
D) She should continue taking the drug until her immune system can completely eliminate the infection. Otherwise, some bacteria may remain in her system, and they will probably be resistant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor to ensure that all the bacteria causing the infection are eliminated. If the antibiotic is stopped prematurely, some bacteria may survive and develop resistance to the drug. Therefore, the woman should continue taking the drug until the full course is completed, even if she feels better. Saving the drug for future use may not be necessary as the same drug may not be effective against a different bacterial infection, and it may have expired by the time she needs it again. Also, there is no need to worry about bioterrorism in this scenario.

A Woman Struggling with a Bacterial Illness Is Prescribed a Month's