Clinical reasoning — antibiotics vs. colds: You wake with a sore throat and runny nose; the lab report leads the doctor to say “antibiotics will not help.” Context: Interpret why antibiotics are not indicated based on likely etiology. Choose the most likely reason.

Difficulty: Easy

The illness is caused by a virus, and antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses
All bacteria are now resistant to antibiotics
Antibiotics only work when taken by injection, not orally
Antibiotics would worsen the immune response in all infections

Correct Answer: The illness is caused by a virus, and antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses

Explanation:

Given data

Symptoms: sore throat + runny nose — typical of viral upper respiratory infection (common cold).
Lab swab suggests no bacterial growth/pathogen needing antibiotics.

Concept / Approach
Antibiotics act on bacteria (cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, etc.). They are ineffective against viruses, which lack these bacterial targets. Supportive care or antivirals (when appropriate) are used instead.

Common pitfalls

Assuming antibiotics help any infection; misuse promotes resistance and side effects.

Clinical reasoning — antibiotics vs. colds: You wake with a sore throat and runny nose; the lab report leads the doctor to say “antibiotics will not help.” Context: Interpret why antibiotics are not indicated based on likely etiology. Choose the most likely reason.

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