# Answers

### What is the oral antibiotic of choice and its dose?

If the casualty is not in shock and can swallow oral medications, they should be given a 400 mg tablet of moxifloxacin.

### When should you use ertapenem instead of moxifloxacin as an antibiotic therapy?

If the casualty is in shock or unconscious, or cannot swallow oral medications, they should be given one gram of ertapenem.

### What are the advantages of using an oral antibiotic over a parenteral antibiotic?

The logistical issues associated with carrying, reconstituting, and then injecting or infusing parenteral medications makes use of oral antibiotics the preferred route, when oral administration is possible.

### When should you administer antibiotics in the Tactical Field Care phase?

Antibiotics must be given as soon as possible after injury to maximize their ability to prevent wound infections.