title: Selecting antibiotics for community-acquired skin and skin structure infections in the emergency department.
abstract: The number of patients treated in emergency departments across the United States for community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections is on the rise. The purpose of this article is to articulate optimal antibiotic therapy for community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections. A table format has been selected to serve as a direct reference for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. In addition, background, common pathogens, and follow-up are discussed for each disease state as well as how cost might affect nurse practitioner's and physician assistant's antibiotic selection.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacist Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. kfrancis@mcvhvcu.edu
authors.forename: Kerry E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Francis
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents