What is one potential consequence of antibiotic overuse in hospitals?

Antibiotic overuse in hospitals leads to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern. When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, bacteria can evolve and adapt, becoming resistant to the drugs that were once effective against them. This resistance can result in infections that are more difficult to treat, requiring stronger or more toxic medications, which may have more severe side effects. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, increased medical costs, and a higher risk of complications or mortality. Essentially, as resistance spreads, the effectiveness of existing antibiotics diminishes, which makes managing infections more challenging and threatens advances made in medical treatments and surgeries that rely on effective antibiotic prophylaxis. Thus, B highlights a critical consequence that undermines patient safety and health care efficacy.