N545 Exam 2 Questions with 100%
Correct Answers | Latest Update
What is the mechanism of action for beta lactam antibiotics? - ✔✔Inhibit cell
wall synthesis
What specific site in the cell wall is affected by beta lactam antibiotics? -
✔✔Beta lactam antibiotics antibiotics bind to the transpeptidase enzyme and
block the formation of the peptide cross-links. This results in a weak cell wall
and osmotic lysis of the bacterium
Name the 4 major classes of beta lactam antibitoics. - ✔✔Penecillins
Cephalosporins
Carbapenems
Monobactams
And vancomycin, which does not fit into any of the above classes.
Name the 3 first generation cephalosporins and whether they are effective
against gram positive or negative organisms. - ✔✔Cefadroxil
Cefazolin
Cephalexin
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,Better against gram positive organisms
State which organisms (positive or negative) are best treated by second and
third generation cepahlosporins, and review the drugs in each category. -
✔✔Better for gram negative
Second gen:
Cefaclor
Cefuroxime
Cefprozil
Third gen:
Cefdinir
Cefditoren
Cefixime
Cefotaxime
Cefotetan
Cefpoxodime
Ceftazidime
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, Ceftriaxone
Ceftibuten
This generation of cephalosporins has both gram positive and negative
coverage, and are considered extended-spectrum drugs. - ✔✔Fourth generation
cephalosporins:
Cefditoren
Cefepime
Name the only fifth generation cephalosporin (and the first drug that was
effective against MRSA) - ✔✔Ceftaroline
Describe the benefits of ertapenem, and when it may be used. - ✔✔Ertapenem
can be given as a once daily dose at home (by a traveling nurse, etc) due to its
longer half-life
Which are the two "natural" penicillin? - ✔✔Penicillin G and penicillin V
Which classes of beta lactam antibiotics are considered the "big guns" and why?
- ✔✔Carbapenems and monobactams have a broader spectrum of activity and
greater potency than any other beta-lactam antibiotics. They are used with
multidrug resistant organisms.
Page 3 of 25
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Correct Answers | Latest Update
What is the mechanism of action for beta lactam antibiotics? - ✔✔Inhibit cell
wall synthesis
What specific site in the cell wall is affected by beta lactam antibiotics? -
✔✔Beta lactam antibiotics antibiotics bind to the transpeptidase enzyme and
block the formation of the peptide cross-links. This results in a weak cell wall
and osmotic lysis of the bacterium
Name the 4 major classes of beta lactam antibitoics. - ✔✔Penecillins
Cephalosporins
Carbapenems
Monobactams
And vancomycin, which does not fit into any of the above classes.
Name the 3 first generation cephalosporins and whether they are effective
against gram positive or negative organisms. - ✔✔Cefadroxil
Cefazolin
Cephalexin
Page 1 of 25
©JOSHCLAY 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
,Better against gram positive organisms
State which organisms (positive or negative) are best treated by second and
third generation cepahlosporins, and review the drugs in each category. -
✔✔Better for gram negative
Second gen:
Cefaclor
Cefuroxime
Cefprozil
Third gen:
Cefdinir
Cefditoren
Cefixime
Cefotaxime
Cefotetan
Cefpoxodime
Ceftazidime
Page 2 of 25
©JOSHCLAY 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
, Ceftriaxone
Ceftibuten
This generation of cephalosporins has both gram positive and negative
coverage, and are considered extended-spectrum drugs. - ✔✔Fourth generation
cephalosporins:
Cefditoren
Cefepime
Name the only fifth generation cephalosporin (and the first drug that was
effective against MRSA) - ✔✔Ceftaroline
Describe the benefits of ertapenem, and when it may be used. - ✔✔Ertapenem
can be given as a once daily dose at home (by a traveling nurse, etc) due to its
longer half-life
Which are the two "natural" penicillin? - ✔✔Penicillin G and penicillin V
Which classes of beta lactam antibiotics are considered the "big guns" and why?
- ✔✔Carbapenems and monobactams have a broader spectrum of activity and
greater potency than any other beta-lactam antibiotics. They are used with
multidrug resistant organisms.
Page 3 of 25
©JOSHCLAY 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
