Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 3

Question 1

Which antibiotic is the preferred first-line agent for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in non-pregnant women per current IDSA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Nitrofurantoin

Answer

Ciprofloxacin

Answer

Ampicillin

Answer

Cephalexin

Question 2

What is the bactericidal mechanism of action of penicillin on susceptible bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits transpeptidation, preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking and causing osmotic lysis

Answer

Disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane by binding to ergosterol

Answer

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking folate synthesis

Answer

Blocks the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide chain elongation

Question 3

Which antifungal agent causes nephrotoxicity with renal tubular acidosis and electrolyte wasting (potassium, magnesium), requiring frequent laboratory monitoring during therapy?

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B deoxycholate

Answer

Fluconazole

Answer

Micafungin

Answer

Voriconazole

Question 4

Which laboratory method is the gold standard for confirming a diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture with drug susceptibility testing

Answer

Tuberculin skin test (TST/PPD)

Answer

Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)

Answer

Chest radiograph demonstrating cavitary lesions

Question 5

Per 2022 ACIP recommendations, what is the preferred pneumococcal vaccination strategy for immunocompetent adults aged 65 years and older who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine?

Accepted Answer

PCV15 followed by PPSV23, or PCV20 alone

Answer

PCV13 (Prevnar 13) alone

Answer

PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) alone

Answer

PCV7 followed by PCV13 then PPSV23

Question 6

What is the drug of choice for treating Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, including in pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Doxycycline

Answer

Ciprofloxacin

Answer

Amoxicillin

Answer

Azithromycin

Question 7

Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and blocking aminoacyl-tRNA from entering the ribosomal A site (bacteriostatic)?

Accepted Answer

Tetracyclines

Answer

Macrolides

Answer

Aminoglycosides

Answer

Lincosamides