Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

A kindergarten teacher with acute pharyngitis and a sulfa allergy would be best treated with which medication?

1. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin)

2. Levoquinolone (Levaquin)

3. Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS)

4. Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

The correct answer is: Levoquinolone (Levaquin)

The scenario presents a kindergarten teacher with acute pharyngitis and a sulfa allergy. In treating a patient with these considerations, it is essential to choose an antibiotic that is contraindicated for those with sulfa sensitivity and appropriate for the suspected cause of pharyngitis. Levofloxacin, which is represented by the choice selected, falls under the class of fluoroquinolones. This class of antibiotics is suitable for treating various bacterial infections, including some respiratory tract infections. Importantly, fluoroquinolones do not contain sulfonamides, making them safe for patients with a sulfa allergy. In contrast, options such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and clarithromycin could be valid alternatives for treating pharyngitis; however, they do not specifically avoid the issues that come with a sulfa allergy as clearly as fluoroquinolones do. Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole is directly contraindicated due to the sulfa component, which poses a risk to the individual due to their known allergy. Thus, choosing levofloxacin ensures effective treatment of the infection while safeguarding against allergic reactions.