Question

Evan, a 3year old child carried to the clinic with the complaint of fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulties in breathing. On checkup, the physician found Evan to be dull, with pulse rate (118/min), breathing rate (RR 55/min), temperature 40 0C(1040F), wheezing like symptoms, crepitations, and mild dehydration. The initial diagnosis was “acute pneumonia.” The pediatrician ordered hematological and bacteriological tests. He decided to prescribe antibiotic therapy.

1. a) Based on what we discussed in the lecture as well as from our MindTap book, the antibiotic can be given orally, i.m, or i.v injection. Which route of administration do you think the most appropriate in Even’s situation, and why?

b) In this situation, should Even administer the antibiotic straight away, or should the physician wait for the laboratory reports?

Answer 1

a) In Even's situation the antibiotics should be administered through IV because Even's vital signs are totally abnormal.To reduce all the infectious signs and symptoms immediate administration of antibiotics is necessary. IV antibiotics enters the blood circulation with in seconds of administration and immediate effect will be shown on the condition of the child.

b) The initial diagnosis was already decided as " Acute Pneumonia" , and Even's condition shows that he is highly infective.So what ever may be the laboratory results there is no need for the physician to wait for them. Symptomatic treatment or Empirical treatment can be initiated according to the condition.So straight antibiotics can be administered for Even.