Antimicrobial therapy for surgical patients

The operating room nurse plays a critical role in the administration of antimicrobial therapy for prophylaxis and for treatment. When aminoglycosides are given, the fine line between a therapeutic and toxic dose presents an additional challenge. Timing is equally critical in administering a prophylactic dose of a cephalosporin; too early and it will be ineffective and too late, it may necessitate a full course of treatment rather than the one dose. Armed with the proper knowledge and skills, the operating room nurse will be able to provide the safe competent care that patients receiving antimicrobials should expect.