Which antibiotic is typically used for GBS prophylaxis during labor?

Study for the NCLEX Pregnancy at Risk Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which antibiotic is typically used for GBS prophylaxis during labor?

Explanation:
The goal is to prevent the newborn from being exposed to group B Streptococcus during birth by giving antibiotics during labor. Penicillin G given IV is the drug of choice because GBS is highly susceptible to penicillins, it achieves effective levels quickly when given IV, and it has a strong safety profile for both mother and fetus. This intrapartum prophylaxis significantly lowers the risk of early-onset GBS disease in the newborn. Alternatives like erythromycin are less reliable due to resistance, and vancomycin is reserved for penicillin-allergic patients with severe reactions or resistant organisms. Amoxicillin isn’t the standard IV agent for intrapartum prophylaxis.

The goal is to prevent the newborn from being exposed to group B Streptococcus during birth by giving antibiotics during labor. Penicillin G given IV is the drug of choice because GBS is highly susceptible to penicillins, it achieves effective levels quickly when given IV, and it has a strong safety profile for both mother and fetus. This intrapartum prophylaxis significantly lowers the risk of early-onset GBS disease in the newborn. Alternatives like erythromycin are less reliable due to resistance, and vancomycin is reserved for penicillin-allergic patients with severe reactions or resistant organisms. Amoxicillin isn’t the standard IV agent for intrapartum prophylaxis.

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