What instructions should a nurse give to a patient about taking antibiotics?

The correct guidance for a patient regarding the use of antibiotics is to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve. This is crucial because antibiotics work to fully eliminate the bacteria causing the infection; stopping the medication too soon can allow some bacteria to survive and potentially lead to a resurgence of the infection. In addition, incomplete courses of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, whereby bacteria evolve and become immune to the effects of the medication, making future infections harder to treat.

Taking antibiotics only when discomfort is experienced, stopping them once symptoms have improved, or sharing them with family members are all inappropriate actions that can have serious health consequences. Each of these alternatives fails to consider the importance of completing the prescribed course to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.