c&s question, how do you know if...

[Del07]

When a c&s lab report comes back abnormal and the doctor ask what she is sensitive to and the nurse says macrobid. What does this mean? I didnt want to sound too stupid and ask the nurse what the Dr meant. Im a new nurse and want to be ready for the question just in case my patients culture and sensitivity labs come back abnormal and the Dr ask me what she is sensitive to and won't beable to answer the question! Thanks

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The C&S (culture & sensitivity) report from the lab will list the organism(s) found in the specimen, along with a list of about 15 to 30 common antibiotic drugs. Next to each antibiotic, one of three letters will appear: S (stands for sensitive), I (stands for intermediate), or R (stands for resistant). When the doctor asks, "What is the bug sensitive to?," you read off the drugs with a 'S' next to them, and be sure to only mention the ones that are not noted as allergies in the patient's medical record. For example, even though the patient's organism is sensitive to Amoxicillin, we would not mention this drug because allergies to Penicillin (PCN) and Augmentin are noted in the chart.

If the bug is resistant to a particular antibiotic, it would be pointless to give it. If the microbe(s) are sensitive to a particular drug, then the ABT might eradicate it.

[Del07]

The C&S (culture & sensitivity) report from the lab will list the organism(s) found in the specimen, along with a list of about 15 to 30 common antibiotic drugs. Next to each antibiotic, one of three letters will appear: S (stands for sensitive), I (stands for intermediate), or R (stands for resistant). When the doctor asks, "What is the bug sensitive to?," you read off the drugs with a 'S' next to them, and be sure to only mention the ones that are not noted as allergies in the patient's medical record. For example, even though the patient's organism is sensitive to Amoxicillin, we would not mention this drug because allergies to Penicillin (PCN) and Augmentin are noted in the chart.

If the bug is resistant to a particular antibiotic, it would be pointless to give it. If the microbe(s) are sensitive to a particular drug, then the ABT might eradicate it.

Thanks so much! U nailed the question for me!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

What The Commuter said. I try to read thru the list before I call the doc so that I can pronounce the drug and know what the common name is for them.