Problem 7: Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Operation Procedures Flashcards
Anna has Cefuroxime 1.5g IV stat dose prescribed 30 minutes before surgery. Explain if this is appropriate. Describe the rationale for prescribing an antibiotic
Cefuroxime is cephalosporins (immediate hypersensitive patients to penicillin should not receive.)
Surgical prophylaxis; 1.5g to be administered up to 30 minutes before procedure, then by IV injection or IM 750mg every 8 hours if required up to three doses in high risk procedures.
Risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) includes patient and operation dependents
Patient: extremes of age, poor nutritional state, obesity, diabetes, smoking, co-existing infection at other sites, bacterial colonisation, prolonged post-operative stay
Operation: length of surgical scrub, pre-operative shaving, skin asepsis, pre-operative skin preparation, length of operation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, operating theatre ventilation, instrument sterilisation, surgical drains, technique (including haemostasis, poor closure and tissue trauma).
Benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis: reduces long term postoperative morbidity. For most it reduces short term morbidity by reducing post operative hospital stay, prevention of wound infection can also quicken return to normal activity after discharge from hospital.
