Empiric antibiotic therapy is theimmediate initiation of antibioticsbased on clinical judgment before laboratory confirmation of an infection. In this case, thepresence of fever, erythema, and tenderness at the central line sitesuggests a possible bloodstream infection, prompting empiric treatment with vancomycin.

Step-by-Step Justification:

Initiation Before Lab Confirmation:

Empiric therapystarts treatment based on symptomswhile awaiting culture results​.

Prevents Complications:

Delayed treatment in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)can lead to sepsis.

Common in High-Risk Situations:

Empiric treatment is used in caseswhere waiting for lab results could worsen the patient’s condition.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Prophylactic:

Prophylactic antibioticsare given to prevent infection, not to treat an existing one.

C. Experimental:

Experimental treatment refers toclinical trials or unproven therapies, which does not apply here.

D. Broad spectrum:

Broad-spectrum antibiotics covermultiple bacteria, but empiric therapy may benarrow-spectrum based on suspected pathogens​.

CBIC Infection Control References:

APIC Text, Chapter on Antimicrobial Stewardship and Empiric Therapy​.