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

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is a preferred first-line agent for uncomplicated UTIs due to its high urinary concentrations, efficacy against common uropathogens, and minimal collateral ecological effects.

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

Penicillin inhibits transpeptidase enzymes (penicillin-binding proteins), preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands, resulting in structural weakness of the cell wall and osmotic lysis.

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

Amphotericin B deoxycholate (conventional formulation) is notorious for nephrotoxicity, causing azotemia, distal renal tubular acidosis, and urinary wasting of potassium and magnesium.

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

Sputum AFB culture with drug susceptibility testing is the gold standard, as it confirms viable M. tuberculosis organisms and provides critical information on drug resistance patterns to guide treatment.

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

ACIP 2022 guidelines recommend PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later, or PCV20 (Prevnar 20) alone, replacing the older PCV13+PPSV23 sequential strategy.

Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Practice Test

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