Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In treating acute bronchitis, which medication class is typically avoided?

1. Expectorants

2. Antibiotics

3. Antihistamines

4. Cough suppressants

The correct answer is: Antibiotics

In the management of acute bronchitis, antibiotics are typically avoided because most cases are caused by viral infections, not bacterial ones. The primary purpose of antibiotics is to target bacterial pathogens, and their use in viral infections does not provide any therapeutic benefit. Additionally, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant public health concern. When treating acute bronchitis, the focus is often on alleviating symptoms rather than targeting an underlying infectious cause, leading to the preference for medications that provide symptomatic relief. Expectorants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants may be utilized based on individual patient symptoms and clinical judgment, whereas antibiotics play no beneficial role in uncomplicated viral bronchitis. This understanding is crucial for effective treatment planning and responsible antibiotic stewardship in clinical practice.