Viral upper respiratory infections can lead to secondary bacterial sinus infections. The most appropriate answer addresses the patient’s comment (“I thought I just had a cold.”) and provides education about the indication for amoxicillin (secondary bacterial infection). The nurse can explain this information to the patient; it is not necessary to involve the provider. Although the patient’s stance on not taking antibiotics for a cold should be acknowledged, this does not explain the need for the patient to take antibiotics in the setting of a secondary bacterial infection. Technically, the antibiotics will help to prevent an abscess which can lead to meningitis, but this is a less appropriate response to the patient’s remarks.