If a casualty is UNABLE to take PO, what antibiotic is given for open combat wounds?

Prepare for the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) – Hospital Corpsman Basic (HCB) Exam. Challenge yourself with realistic scenarios and multiple-choice questions, complete with detailed explanations. Ensure your readiness for combat care situations!

In the management of open combat wounds, especially when the casualty is unable to take medications orally (PO), appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial to prevent and treat infections. The use of Cefotetan and Ertapenem is particularly relevant in this context, as both are effective against a wide range of bacteria often encountered in surgical wounds and have specific indications for use in the setting of trauma and combat injuries.

Cefotetan is a second-generation cephalosporin used for its effectiveness against various gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes. It is commonly used in combat casualty care due to its broad spectrum of activity and favorable pharmacokinetics when administered intravenously.

Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity, including coverage for many resistant organisms. It is particularly useful in serious infections and offers convenience with its once daily dosing, making it a good choice for patients in critical care situations.

Daptomycin, while less commonly used for initial treatment of open combat wounds, is an antibiotic that can be effective against some resistant gram-positive organisms. It is typically reserved for specific cases, such as severe skin and soft tissue infections where resistant staphylococci might be a concern.

In summary, the answer that encompasses

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