MRSA Exam Preparation Newest 2026-2027 With
Complete Questions And Correct Detailed Answers|
Brand New Version!
What is the first-line drug for serious MRSA infections?
Vancomycin (unless intolerance/resistance).
What is the most common notable adverse effect of Linezolid?
Thrombocytopenia.-
associated with sideroblastic anemia
A pt on Linezolid (oxazolidinone) for MRSA complains of headache and
rapid heart rate. On exam he is shivering. Other toxicities of this drug?
Serotonin syndrome risk with MAO inhibitors/serotonergic medications.
1|Page
,Peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression (especially
thrombocytopenia) from linezolid toxicity (serotonin syndrome
described here)
How is Tedizolid described relative to Linezolid?
Like Linezolid but with less thrombocytopenia risk.
What key adverse effect helps differentiate Daptomycin?
Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; monitor CPK and avoid concurrent statins.
What is a key limitation of Daptomycin for pneumonia?
Inactivated by pulmonary surfactant; not effective for pneumonia.
What is the best alternative for MRSA pneumonia failing vancomycin?
Ceftaroline (not Daptomycin).
Ceftaroline, a fifth-generation cephalosporin, is active against which
organisms?
2|Page
,- Gram positives and gram-negatives including MRSA, but no coverage
for Pseudomonas
What is the best alternative for VISA (vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus)??
Daptomycin.
Daptomycin is an appropriate and commonly tested alternative for
VISA, particularly for:
- Bacteremia
- Endocarditis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
However, daptomycin cannot be used for pneumonia because it is
inactivated by pulmonary surfactant.
- In VISA pneumonia → Linezolid is preferred.
How this is tested on USMLE Step 3
They often give:
- MRSA/VISA
- Failing vancomycin
3|Page
, - Then add a site of infection clue
Examples:
VISA bacteremia → Daptomycin
VISA pneumonia → Linezolid
What is unique about Ceftaroline among cephalosporins?
Only cephalosporin with MRSA coverage.
What are Dalbavancin/oritavancin/televancin conceptually?
Long-acting IV glycopeptide/vancomycin derivatives; extended dosing
intervals.
What agents are highlighted for outpatient therapy of MRSA
osteomyelitis?
Dalbavancin or oritavancin.
Why is Tigecycline considered 'down at the bottom' for MRSA?
4|Page
Complete Questions And Correct Detailed Answers|
Brand New Version!
What is the first-line drug for serious MRSA infections?
Vancomycin (unless intolerance/resistance).
What is the most common notable adverse effect of Linezolid?
Thrombocytopenia.-
associated with sideroblastic anemia
A pt on Linezolid (oxazolidinone) for MRSA complains of headache and
rapid heart rate. On exam he is shivering. Other toxicities of this drug?
Serotonin syndrome risk with MAO inhibitors/serotonergic medications.
1|Page
,Peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression (especially
thrombocytopenia) from linezolid toxicity (serotonin syndrome
described here)
How is Tedizolid described relative to Linezolid?
Like Linezolid but with less thrombocytopenia risk.
What key adverse effect helps differentiate Daptomycin?
Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; monitor CPK and avoid concurrent statins.
What is a key limitation of Daptomycin for pneumonia?
Inactivated by pulmonary surfactant; not effective for pneumonia.
What is the best alternative for MRSA pneumonia failing vancomycin?
Ceftaroline (not Daptomycin).
Ceftaroline, a fifth-generation cephalosporin, is active against which
organisms?
2|Page
,- Gram positives and gram-negatives including MRSA, but no coverage
for Pseudomonas
What is the best alternative for VISA (vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus)??
Daptomycin.
Daptomycin is an appropriate and commonly tested alternative for
VISA, particularly for:
- Bacteremia
- Endocarditis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
However, daptomycin cannot be used for pneumonia because it is
inactivated by pulmonary surfactant.
- In VISA pneumonia → Linezolid is preferred.
How this is tested on USMLE Step 3
They often give:
- MRSA/VISA
- Failing vancomycin
3|Page
, - Then add a site of infection clue
Examples:
VISA bacteremia → Daptomycin
VISA pneumonia → Linezolid
What is unique about Ceftaroline among cephalosporins?
Only cephalosporin with MRSA coverage.
What are Dalbavancin/oritavancin/televancin conceptually?
Long-acting IV glycopeptide/vancomycin derivatives; extended dosing
intervals.
What agents are highlighted for outpatient therapy of MRSA
osteomyelitis?
Dalbavancin or oritavancin.
Why is Tigecycline considered 'down at the bottom' for MRSA?
4|Page
