Infectious Diseases Pre-Test Questions
Q1. Ampicillin spectrum: What are the main organisms covered by ampicillin?
Q2. Ampicillin + Sulbactam (Unasyn): When sulbactam is added to ampicillin, which important organisms are now covered that ampicillin alone does not cover?
Q3. Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) - spectrum gain: Compared to Unasyn, what expanded coverage do we gain with piperacillin-tazobactam?
Q4. Zosyn - gaps: Name three common organisms not covered by Zosyn.
Q5. Ceftriaxone vs Cefepime: What is the main spectrum difference between ceftriaxone and cefepime?
Q6. Cefepime vs Zosyn: What is the main difference in spectrum between cefepime and
piperacillin-tazobactam?
Q7. Carbapenems vs Zosyn: What do carbapenems cover that Zosyn does not?
Q8. Ertapenem vs Meropenem: What are the key spectrum differences between ertapenem and
meropenem?
Q9. Beta-lactam class gap: Which common organisms are resistant to all beta-lactams except ceftaroline?
Q10. Cefoxitin: What is the spectrum of cefoxitin, and why is it now considered inadequate for anaerobic
coverage?
Q11. Severe MSSA infections: What is the classic drug of choice for severe MSSA infections?
Q12. Cefepime side effect: What unusual side effect is important to remember for cefepime?
Q13. No renal adjustment: Which beta-lactams do not require dose adjustment in renal failure?
Q14. Cephalosporins & Enterococcus: True or false: All cephalosporins are resistant to Enterococcus. What is the one unusual role for ceftriaxone in Enterococcus infections?
Q15. Ampicillin synergy: When treating Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis, how is ceftriaxone used in
combination therapy for synergy?
Q18. Anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams: List all beta-lactams with Pseudomonas coverage.
Q19. MRSA and beta-lactams: Which beta-lactam antibiotic covers MRSA, and in what situations is it used?
Q20. Carbapenem exceptions: Which important bacteria are not covered by ertapenem?
Q21. Ceftriaxone -> Cefepime: When switching from ceftriaxone to cefepime, what spectrum is gained, and what is lost (if anything)?
Q22. Cefepime -> Piperacillin-Tazobactam: What extra coverage does Zosyn provide compared to cefepime?
Q23. Piperacillin-Tazobactam -> Meropenem: What extra coverage does meropenem add compared to
Zosyn?
Q25. Piperacillin-Tazobactam -> Ertapenem: What major coverage is lost when changing from Zosyn to
ertapenem?
Q27. Ampicillin-Sulbactam -> Piperacillin-Tazobactam: What are the main spectrum gains when escalating from Unasyn to Zosyn?
Q29. Ceftriaxone -> Ceftaroline: What major Gram-positive pathogen does ceftaroline cover that ceftriaxone does not?
Q30. Aztreonam spectrum: What is the antimicrobial spectrum of aztreonam, and in what clinical situation is it most commonly used?
Q31. Azithromycin spectrum: What are the main organisms covered by azithromycin?
Q32. Azithromycin special uses: Name two infections where azithromycin is preferred because of its activity against atypical bacteria
Q34. Quinolone spectrum differences: How does the spectrum of ciprofloxacin differ from levofloxacin and moxifloxacin?
Q35. Quinolone toxicities: List three serious adverse effects common to all quinolones.
Q36. Quinolone elimination: Which fluoroquinolone does not require renal dose adjustment, and why?
Q37. Bactrim spectrum: Name three major organisms covered by Bactrim.
Q39. Bactrim contraindications: What are two major contraindications for Bactrim use?
Q41. Linezolid spectrum: What resistant Gram-positive organisms does linezolid cover?
Q42. Linezolid toxicities: Name two important side effects of linezolid that can occur with prolonged use.
Q43. Linezolid contraindications: What common drug interaction makes linezolid risky in patients on certain antidepressants?
Q44. Daptomycin spectrum: What is the main role of daptomycin in severe Gram-positive infections?
Q45. Daptomycin contraindication: Why can't daptomycin be used for pneumonia?
Q46. Daptomycin toxicity: What muscle-related toxicity is associated with daptomycin, and what lab test
should be monitored?
Q47. Macrobid spectrum: What is the main clinical use for nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)?
Q48. Macrobid contraindications: Why should nitrofurantoin be avoided in patients with poor renal function?
Q49. Macrobid toxicity: What rare but serious pulmonary side effect can occur with long-term nitrofurantoin use?
Q50. Doxycycline spectrum: List three unusual or "special" organisms covered by doxycycline.
Q51. Doxycycline contraindications: Why is doxycycline generally avoided in children under 8 years old?
Q52. Doxycycline side effects: Name two side effects of doxycycline related to sun exposure and the GI tract.
Q53. Fosfomycin spectrum & use: What is the main clinical use for fosfomycin in the outpatient setting?
Q55. Vancomycin spectrum: What is the main Gram-positive coverage of vancomycin?
Q56. Vancomycin special use: What infection is oral vancomycin specifically used for, and why does it work in that route?
Q57. Vancomycin toxicities: Name two important toxicities or reactions of vancomycin.
Q58. Clindamycin spectrum: What types of organisms does clindamycin cover well?
Q59. Clindamycin limitations: Why should clindamycin not be trusted for intra-abdominal infections anymore?
Q61. Metronidazole spectrum: What organisms does metronidazole target especially well?
Q62. Metronidazole side effects: What reaction can occur if metronidazole is taken with alcohol?
Q63. Metronidazole special role: What is the role of metronidazole in combination regimens for anaerobic
coverage?
