Lecture Summary

Critically ill patients are at high risk for developing a life-threatening infection such as bloodstream infection or pneumonia. These infections might lead to sepsis and multiple organ failure. Adequate antimicrobial therapy is essential to optimize the chances of survival. Three key issues in this regard are (i) a first antimicrobial dose administered as soon as possible after the onset of the septic episode, (ii) an empiric antimicrobial spectrum covering the causative pathogens, and (iii) adequate dosing. However, efficient dosing is problematic because of pathophysiological changes associated with critical illness affects the pharmacokinetics of mainly hydrophilic antimicrobials. And the preparation and administration of antibiotics may also negatively impact the efficiency of therapy. Therefore nurses must be aware of some points of interest in order to optimize antibiotic therapy.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses
Trainee Critical Care Doctors

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

• Describe the essential pillars of antimicrobial therapy
• Understand why and how these pillars affect survival
• Describe the basics of pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial agents in sepsis
• Apply insights in pharmacodynamics to optimise antimicrobial therapy

Chlorhexidine Oral Care - Controversies Examined

Oral healthcare in ICU - what is the latest evidence?

Critical Care Nursing / Core Patient Care