RT Book, Section A1 Sutton, S. Scott A1 Bland, Christopher M. A2 Sutton, S. Scott SR Print(0) ID 1179733912 T1 Antimicrobial Regimen Selection T2 McGraw Hill’s NAPLEX® Review Guide, 4e YR 2020 FD 2020 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781264258062 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1179733912 RD 2024/03/29 AB Antimicrobials vary in their ability to inhibit or kill different species of bacteria. Antimicrobials that kill many different species of bacteria are called broad-spectrum, whereas antimicrobials that kill a few different species of bacteria are called narrow-spectrum antimicrobials. Empirically treating infectious diseases and monitoring therapy requires knowledge of antimicrobial properties, host factors, patient’s normal flora, differentiating infection versus colonization, and understanding clinical presentation and diagnostic tests (microbiologic and nonmicrobiologic laboratory studies). Broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage increases the likelihood of empirically targeting a causative pathogen; unfortunately, the development of secondary infections caused by selection of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens is a common problem. In addition, adverse events may complicate up to 10% of antimicrobial therapy (adverse event rate is higher for select agents).