Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

In treating a 55-year-old male with community-acquired pneumonia, which drug might NOT be prescribed?

1. Levaquin

2. Z-pack

3. Biaxin

4. Erythromycin

The correct answer is: Levaquin

When considering the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in a 55-year-old male, the choice of antibiotics is crucial, and certain medications may not be appropriate based on indications and resistance patterns. Levaquin, which is a fluoroquinolone, is sometimes considered for the treatment of pneumonia but carries a risk of side effects such as tendon rupture and may not be the first line due to concerns over antibiotic resistance. Additionally, guidelines for treating community-acquired pneumonia often prioritize macrolides and tetracyclines as first-line agents, especially in uncomplicated cases. Z-pack (azithromycin) and Biaxin (clarithromycin), both macrolides, are commonly prescribed for community-acquired pneumonia as they provide good coverage for typical pneumonia pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Erythromycin, although older, is also a macrolide that is effective but has fallen out of favor due to its side effect profile and interactions with other medications. However, it can still be an option depending on the patient’s specific circumstances. Given the age of the patient and current treatment guidelines, Levaquin might not be the preferred option due to its profile and potential complications, even though it could technically