2026/2027 Update) Anti-Infectives, GI, Dermatologic,
Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Antiviral | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct Verified Answers – Chamberlain University
Subject: Advanced Pharmacology – Anti-infectives (Bacteriostatic vs Bactericidal) beta-lactams,
cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, vancomycin,
metronidazole; Antiviral (Nucleoside analogues, neuraminidase inhibitors); Antifungal (Azoles,
polyenes, allylamines); Antimycobacterial (INH, Rifampin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide);
Antiparasitic/Anthelmintic; GI drugs (H2 blockers, PPIs, antacids, antidiarrheals, laxatives, antiemetics,
prokinetics, cytoprotective agents); H. pylori eradication; UTI & other infectious disease guidelines.
Source: NR 565 Final Exam Blueprint 2026/2027, IDSA Guidelines, FDA Black Box Warnings,
Chamberlain Course Materials.
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale | Verified Answers | Grade A Guaranteed
Bacterostatic vs Bacteriocidal – definitions
Correct Answer: Bacteriostatic: stops bacterial growth/spread without killing; Bactericidal: kills
bacteria.
1. Bacteriostatic drugs (clindamycin, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracyclines) inhibit protein synthesis or
folate synthesis, halting replication; host immune system clears infection.
2. Bactericidal drugs (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, vancomycin) cause cell death
directly via cell wall disruption, DNA inhibition, or membrane damage.
3. Clinical relevance: In immunocompromised patients, bactericidal therapy is preferred (endocarditis,
meningitis, neutropenia).
Anti-microbial resistance risk factors
Correct Answer: Not knowing recent antibiotic use, provider overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
not performing susceptibility testing, age<2 or >65, daycare attendance, exposure to young
children, multiple comorbidities, immunosuppression.
1. Prior antibiotic exposure selects for resistant organisms. Broad-spectrum agents increase resistance
pressure more than narrow-spectrum drugs.
2. Daycare attendance and young age increase exposure to resistant respiratory pathogens (S.
pneumoniae, H. influenzae).
3. Susceptibility testing guides therapy; empiric therapy may fail if resistance is present (e.g., MRSA,
ESBL).
, Beta-lactam PCNs pharmacodynamics
Correct Answer: Inhibit biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall via beta-lactam ring binding to penicillin-
binding proteins (PBPs).
1. Beta-lactam antibiotics disrupt transpeptidation (cross-linking of peptidoglycan). Active during bacterial
cell division (time-dependent killing).
2. Resistance via beta-lactamase enzymes (hydrolyze beta-lactam ring) or altered PBPs (MRSA).
3. Beta-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanate, sulbactam, tazobactam) restore activity against beta-
lactamase-producing organisms.
First line therapy for Strep pharyngitis
Correct Answer: Penicillin V
1. Penicillin V is narrow-spectrum, inexpensive, and effective against Group A Streptococcus. Duration
10 days to prevent rheumatic fever.
2. For penicillin-allergic patients: macrolides (azithromycin 5 days) or clindamycin. However, macrolide
resistance is increasing.
First line therapy for all bites
Correct Answer: Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin)
1. Animal bites (dog, cat, human) are polymicrobial: Pasteurella (cat), Staphylococcus, Streptococcus,
anaerobes. Augmentin covers aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
2. Alternative for penicillin allergy: doxycycline + metronidazole, or TMP-SMX + metronidazole. Rabies
and tetanus prophylaxis also required.
First line therapy for acute otitis media (AOM) & sinusitis
Correct Answer: Amoxicillin
1. Amoxicillin 80-90 mg/kg/day divided BID is first-line for uncomplicated AOM (most common pathogen
S. pneumoniae).
2. In penicillin allergy or treatment failure (after 48-72 hours): Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) or
cephalosporin (cefdinir, cefpodoxime).
3. For severe AOM (high fever, toxic appearance, age<6 months): consider ceftriaxone IM.
Cephalosporins pharmacodynamics
Correct Answer: Inhibit synthesis of bacterial cell wall (beta-lactam mechanism similar to
penicillins).
1. Cephalosporins are bactericidal, time-dependent. Generations differ in spectrum: 1st gen (gram+), 2nd
gen (gram+ and some gram-), 3rd/4th gen (expanded gram- coverage).
2. Ceftriaxone (3rd gen) has excellent CSF penetration (meningitis). Cefepime (4th gen) covers
Pseudomonas.
3. Cross-reactivity with PCN allergy: approximately 1-2% (low), but avoid in anaphylaxis to PCN.