Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What broad category of antibiotics is typically used for treating an anastomotic leak?

1. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics

2. Broad-spectrum antibiotics

3. Topical antibiotics

4. Fungal antibiotics

The correct answer is: Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are generally used for treating an anastomotic leak because they are effective against a wide variety of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. In the case of an anastomotic leak, there is a significant risk of polymicrobial infections due to the potential for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to be present at the site of the leak. Therefore, broad-spectrum antibiotics are preferred to ensure adequate coverage against the diverse types of bacteria that might be involved in such infections. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics, while effective against specific bacteria, would not provide the comprehensive coverage needed in the setting of a potential infection that can arise from an anastomotic leak. Topical antibiotics are primarily used for localized skin infections and would not be effective for internal complications like an anastomotic leak. Fungal antibiotics would not be applicable as the concern in such cases is bacterial infection, not fungal. Thus, broad-spectrum antibiotics are the appropriate choice in this scenario.