Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
The hospital infectious disease team is involved with the study of a healthcare-associated infection that has spread to 10% of inpatients. The infected patients are exhibiting symptoms of severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. As the infectious disease RN, you provide education to staff regarding the pattern of bacterial growth and infection control.
-Antimicrobial agents are often most effective when given during which period of bacterial growth?

Question

Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
  The hospital infectious disease team is involved with the study of a healthcare-associated infection that has spread to 10% of inpatients. The infected patients are exhibiting symptoms of severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. As the infectious disease RN, you provide education to staff regarding the pattern of bacterial growth and infection control. 
-Antimicrobial agents are often most effective when given during which period of bacterial growth?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antimicrobial agents are most effective during the exponential growth phase of bacterial growth when the cells are actively dividing and vulnerable to antibiotics. During the lag phase, bacteria are adapting to their environment and not actively dividing, making antibiotics less effective. In the stationary phase, cells have stopped dividing, and antibiotics are not effective. Finally, during the death phase, cells are dying and antibiotics are also not as effective.

Please Read the Clinical Scenario, and Then Answer the Question