The visiting nurse is seeing a patient with osteomyelitis that is being treated with antibiotics. Which statement by the patient does not indicate the need for more teaching?

A. "I can stop taking the antibiotics once the pain and redness are gone": Osteomyelitis requires a full course of antibiotics, often lasting several weeks to months, to completely eradicate the infection. Stopping early can lead to treatment failure, recurrence, and antibiotic resistance, so this statement indicates a misunderstanding that requires correction. B. "I will need to take these antibiotics for a long time, maybe 12 weeks": Osteomyelitis often requires prolonged antibiotic therapy, sometimes 6–12 weeks or longer, depending on severity and response. Understanding the need for extended treatment supports adherence and successful outcomes. C. “This is a superficial infection that is easy to treat": Osteomyelitis is a deep bone infection, not superficial. If the patient believes it is superficial, additional teaching is necessary as it often requires months of therapy and sometimes surgical intervention. D. "Once the swelling goes down my antibiotics can be switched from IV to oral": Transitioning from intravenous to oral antibiotics is common in osteomyelitis management once clinical improvement occurs. This reflects correct understanding of treatment protocols and does not indicate a need for more teaching.