Pt. on ttt with steroid are placed AB. After oral surgical procedures because?
- A. The PT. is more susceptible to infection.
- B. AB. Are synergistic to steroids.
- C. AB. Inhibit herxheimer reaction.
- D. AB. Protect the PT. from steroid depletion.
The most likely reason why a patient on long-term steroid therapy (ttt) would receive antibiotics (AB) after oral surgical procedures is: A. The PT. is more susceptible to infection.
Here's why:
- Steroids suppress the immune system, making individuals more prone to infections. This is particularly true after surgical procedures, where there is a risk of introducing bacteria into the body.
- Oral surgery creates open wounds in the mouth, which are further susceptible to infection due to the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity.
- Antibiotics help prevent or fight infections by inhibiting the growth and activity of bacteria. Therefore, they are used prophylactically (preventively) in patients on steroids who undergo oral surgery to minimize the risk of post-operative complications.
Other Options:
While the other options might be relevant in some cases, they are not the most likely reasons for prescribing antibiotics in this scenario:
B. AB are synergistic to steroids:
While some antibiotics can be used in combination with steroids for specific conditions, this is not typically the case for routine oral surgery in patients on long-term steroid therapy.
C. AB inhibit herxheimer reaction:
Herxheimer reactions are associated with certain infections like syphilis and Lyme disease when treated with antibiotics. It's not a common concern after oral surgery.
D. AB protect the PT. from steroid depletion:
This is not a recognized function of antibiotics and doesn't explain their use in this context.
Remember, the specific reason for prescribing antibiotics should always be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient's condition and risk factors.
