Culture before antimicrobials
NCLEX-RN glossary · Reduction Of Risk Potential
Definition
The clinical rule requiring that diagnostic specimens be collected before the first dose of antimicrobial therapy.
Culture before antimicrobials in plain English
It ensures the identification of the causative pathogen so that drug therapy can be targeted and effective. The main trap is delaying specimen collection because the RN perceives the antibiotic dose as a higher immediate priority.
Sign up free: all 276 NCLEX-RN terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related NCLEX-RN terms
NCLEX-RN practice questions · NCLEX-RN flashcards · NCLEX-RN study guide