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Antimicrobial stewardship counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareAntimicrobial stewardship counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient with a self-limiting cough asks why the pharmacist will not recommend antibiotics. He has had symptoms for three days, no fever, no breathlessness and no risk factors. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: B — Explain that antibiotics are unlikely to help and provide self-care and safety-net advice

Most acute coughs are viral or self-limiting and antibiotics offer limited benefit when there are no features of bacterial infection or serious illness. Antimicrobial stewardship aims to reduce adverse effects and resistance. Safety-net advice should cover worsening breathlessness, fever, chest pain, haemoptysis or prolonged symptoms.

Reference: NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance