Nurses have several responsibilities related to AST:
Specimen Collection: Nurses collect specimens (e.g., blood, urine, swabs) correctly and promptly, ensuring they are transported to the lab under appropriate conditions. Patient Education: Nurses educate patients on the importance of completing the prescribed antibiotic course and the risks of antimicrobial resistance. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Nurses work closely with physicians, pharmacists, and microbiologists to interpret AST results and implement appropriate treatment plans. Monitoring: Nurses monitor patients for signs of antibiotic effectiveness and adverse reactions, reporting any concerns to the healthcare team.