Considering the patient's current medications and their conditions, which of the following mechanisms best explains the combined use of piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin in treating their sepsis?
Vancomycin enhances the absorption of piperacillin/tazobactam, leading to increased efficacy against bacterial infections. The combination targets viral pathogens responsible for sepsis, reducing their replication and spread. The combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin provides broad-spectrum coverage against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which is critical in treating sepsis. Piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin are both beta-lactam antibiotics that synergistically inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.