Correct Verified Answers 2024/2025
I can help guide you through some commonly asked questions about antibiotics on the USMLE,
but I don’t have access to actual exam content or verified answers. Instead, I'll provide sample
questions and answers that cover important concepts related to antibiotics. Here are a few
examples:
1. Which antibiotic is first-line treatment for community-acquired pneumonia caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae in a healthy adult?
A) Azithromycin
B) Ciprofloxacin
C) Doxycycline
D) Amoxicillin
Correct Answer: D) Amoxicillin
Rationale: For community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a healthy adult, amoxicillin or a
macrolide (such as azithromycin) are recommended. Amoxicillin is particularly effective against
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Which antibiotic class is primarily effective against Gram-negative bacteria and is often used to
treat urinary tract infections?
A) Penicillins
B) Tetracyclines
C) Cephalosporins
D) Macrolides
Correct Answer: C) Cephalosporins
Rationale: Cephalosporins, especially the later generations, are effective against Gram-negative
bacteria and are commonly used for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
3. What is the primary mechanism of action of vancomycin?
A) Inhibition of DNA gyrase
B) Inhibition of cell wall synthesis
C) Inhibition of protein synthesis
D) Inhibition of folate synthesis