BCACP Infectious Disease and Immunization Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A diabetic patient develops a foot infection with purulent drainage. Which organism is most commonly responsible for mild-to-moderate diabetic foot infections?
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus (Correct answer)
- Clostridium perfringens
- Escherichia coli
Correct answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, is the predominant pathogen in mild-to-moderate diabetic foot infections.
Question 2: A 30-year-old woman presents with a second UTI in 6 months. She is otherwise healthy. Which strategy is evidence-based for recurrent UTI prevention?
- Continuous daily prophylactic antibiotics or post-coital prophylaxis (Correct answer)
- Cranberry juice only
- Prophylactic fluconazole
- Daily urinalysis monitoring
Correct answer: Continuous daily prophylactic antibiotics or post-coital prophylaxis
Continuous low-dose prophylaxis or post-coital antibiotic prophylaxis are evidence-based strategies for reducing recurrent UTI frequency in women.
Question 3: Which hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended for an unvaccinated 45-year-old adult in the US per current ACIP guidelines?
- 2-dose Heplisav-B series or 3-dose Engerix-B/Recombivax series (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) alone
- Single dose only if at low risk
- No vaccination needed after age 40
Correct answer: 2-dose Heplisav-B series or 3-dose Engerix-B/Recombivax series
ACIP recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults aged 19–59 and selected adults ≥60; Heplisav-B offers a convenient 2-dose option.
Question 4: What is the purpose of providing Tdap (rather than Td) to adults who have not previously received it?
- To provide additional tetanus coverage
- To protect against pertussis (whooping cough) in addition to tetanus and diphtheria (Correct answer)
- To replace annual flu vaccination
- To prevent hepatitis A
Correct answer: To protect against pertussis (whooping cough) in addition to tetanus and diphtheria
Tdap includes the pertussis component, which is important for reducing community transmission and protecting vulnerable contacts such as infants.
Question 5: A patient with a penicillin allergy history (mild rash) needs treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis. What is the most appropriate antibiotic choice?
- Vancomycin IV
- Azithromycin (Correct answer)
- Imipenem
- Meropenem
Correct answer: Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an appropriate alternative for strep pharyngitis in penicillin-allergic patients with low-risk reactions.
Question 6: Which key counseling point should a pharmacist provide when dispensing oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for influenza?
- It cures influenza and prevents future infections
- It must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset to be effective (Correct answer)
- It can be taken once weekly for prophylaxis only
- It should be taken on an empty stomach only
Correct answer: It must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset to be effective
Oseltamivir reduces illness duration but must be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset for optimal benefit.
BCACP Infectious Disease and Immunization Management 2
A diabetic patient develops a foot infection with purulent drainage.
Which organism is most commonly responsible for mild-to-moderate diabetic foot infections?