(Latest 2024/2025 Update) Comprehensive Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
Subject: Advanced Pharmacology (NR 566) – Midterm Exam: Infectious Disease, HIV/ART,
Dermatology, Respiratory, Eye/Ear Disorders, Weight Management
Source: Midterm Blueprint – CAP Treatment, Antibiotic Classes, Antifungals, Anthelmintics, HIV
Medications, Acne Therapy, Allergic Rhinitis, Glaucoma, Obesity Pharmacotherapy
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale – 100% Verified Answers
Verified: Latest 2024/2025 Update | Grade A Guaranteed
1: What are the common pathogens in Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)?
Correct Answer: S. pneumoniae, Mycoplasma spp., H. influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus
1. S. pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of CAP.
2. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is common in young adults and children ("walking pneumonia").
3. Viral pathogens also common but not listed.
2: What is first-line treatment for CAP in previously healthy adults, and second choice if first-line
fails?
Correct Answer: First-line: Amoxicillin, doxycycline, or macrolide (azithromycin). Second-line:
Levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone).
1. Macrolide resistance increasing; doxycycline or amoxicillin preferred in some regions.
2. Fluoroquinolones reserved for treatment failure, allergy, or comorbidities.
3. Duration typically 5-7 days.
3: How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae treated in pediatric patients?
Correct Answer: Macrolides: azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin
1. Macrolides are first-line for atypical pneumonia in children.
2. Azithromycin 10 mg/kg on day 1 then 5 mg/kg days 2-5.
3. Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines avoided in young children.
4: What is the treatment for CAP in pregnancy?
Correct Answer: Amoxicillin, cephalosporins, or erythromycin
1. Safe options: beta-lactams (amoxicillin, cephalosporins) are pregnancy category B.
2. Macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin) also considered safe.
3. Avoid doxycycline (tetracycline – tooth staining) and fluoroquinolones (cartilage toxicity in
animal studies).
, 5: If a patient has been treated with an antibiotic in the previous 90 days before CAP, which class is
prudent to prescribe?
Correct Answer: Fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin) – names end in "-
floxacin"
1. Recent antibiotic use increases risk of resistance; choose different class.
2. Respiratory fluoroquinolones have good coverage of typical and atypical pathogens.
3. Avoid if previous quinolone allergy or tendonitis risk.
6: How is chlamydial pneumonia treated in an infant?
Correct Answer: Erythromycin 12.5 mg/kg PO QID x 14 days
1. Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia occurs in infants 1-3 months.
2. Macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin) are treatment of choice.
3. Monitor for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with erythromycin in infants.
7: When should a broad-spectrum antibiotic be used?
Correct Answer: Before culture results, critically ill patient, empiric therapy, unknown pathogen or
multiple bacteria suspected, Gram-positive cocci AND Gram-negative bacilli suspected.
1. Broad-spectrum = coverage of both Gram+ and Gram- organisms.
2. De-escalate once culture/susceptibility results available.
3. Overuse leads to antibiotic resistance and C. diff infection.
8: What are narrow-spectrum antibiotics?
Correct Answer: Active against only a few species; used when pathogen known; reduces risk of
disrupting normal flora and antibiotic resistance; preferred when possible. Examples: Gram+ cocci,
Gram- bacilli, Gram- aerobes, Mycobacterium TB.
1. Penicillin G is narrow-spectrum (primarily Gram+).
2. Targeted therapy improves stewardship.
3. Reduces C. diff risk.
9: What are empiric antibiotics?
Correct Answer: Broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed based on clinical evaluation before test results
are available, when patient has severe infection or pathogen unknown. Examples: ciprofloxacin, TMP-
SMX, amoxicillin.
1. Empiric therapy based on likely pathogens and local resistance patterns.
2. Start immediately in critically ill patients.
3. Adjust based on culture results.