What is the impact of inappropriate antimicrobial use on patient safety?

Inappropriate antimicrobial use has a significant impact on patient safety by leading to adverse drug events, treatment failures, and increased morbidity and mortality. When antimicrobials are misused, such as being prescribed for viral infections where they are ineffective, this can result in complications for the patient.

Adverse drug events can occur due to side effects and toxicities associated with unnecessary medication, while treatment failures can happen when the wrong drug is chosen, or when drug resistance develops as a result of inappropriate prescribing practices. This resistance not only complicates treatment for the individual patient but can also contribute to a wider public health issue, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality across populations.

Effective antimicrobial stewardship aims to optimize the use of these medications to ensure they are only prescribed when truly necessary, ultimately safeguarding patient health and improving overall treatment outcomes. In contrast, the other options do not reflect the reality of inappropriate antimicrobial usage and its consequences.