Therapeutics: Foundations of Antimicrobial
Chemotherapy, Major Antibiotic Classifications
(Beta-Lactams, Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines,
Macrolides, Sulfonamides), Bactericidal vs
Bacteriostatic Pharmacodynamics, Broad vs
Narrow Spectrum Clinical Decision-Making, Empiric
Therapy in Critically Ill and Immunocompromised
Patients, Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance,
and Penicillin Pharmacokinetics, Renal Elimination,
and Toxicity Monitoring – Week 1 Comprehensive
Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated
2026
What are the major antibiotic drug classes
Beta-lactams: penicillins
Beta-lactams: Cephalosporins
fluoroquinolones
tetracyclines and macrolides
sulfonamides, trimethoprim, &nitrofurantoin
What is the primary goal of antibiotic therapy
kill bacteria without harming host tissue
,Bactericidal antibiotics
directly kill bacteria
bacteriostatic antibiotics
Antibiotics that do not actually kill bacteria but rather inhibit bacterial proliferation while the hosts
immune system does the killing
which antibiotics are preferred for immunocompromised patients: bactericidal or bacteriostatic
bactericidal
which antibiotics are preferred for patients with an overwhelming infection: bactericidal or
bacteriostatic
bactericidal
broad spectrum antibiotics
affect a broad range of gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria
narrow spectrum antibiotics
Effective against specific bacteria
, which is used for empiric therapy: narrow or broad
broad spectrum
Risks of Broad Spectrum
disruption of normal floral
increases risk of development of antibiotic resistance
which antibiotics increase the risk of antibiotic resistance: narrow or broad spectrum and why
Broad spectrum because they kill more competing organisms than narrow spectrum drugs
is narrow or broad spectrum antibiotics preferred
narrow is preferred when possible.
broad spectrum only used when pathogen is unknown or when multiple types of bacteria is suspected
Bactericidal drugs
Aminoglycosides
Beta-lactams