USMLE Step 1 QUESTION of the DAY!

Mr. D has a temperature of 100.8. He states that he was treated and getting over bronchopneumonia when he started having diarrhea and abdominal pain. He adds that he has noticed blood in his diarrhea. What drug is the best choice to treat his diarrhea?

A) Trimethorprim/sulfamethoxazole
B) Ceftriaxone
C) Tetracycline
D) Metronidazole
E) Penicillin G


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Answer: D) Metronidazole. Mr. D was treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic for his bronchopneumonia. He developed pseudomembranous colitis from the antibiotic use. Pseudomembranous colitis is caused by an overgrowth of clostridium difficile. It is characterized by fever, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The drug of choice for clostridium difficile is metronidazole.



USMLE Step 1 D.O.C. of the DAY!

Drug of choice for

Staphyloccous aureus causing a skin infection

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Dicloxacillin


USMLE Step 1 FACT of the DAY!

Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction: IgE
- Mediators: mast cells and basophils (secreting histamine)
- Signs & Symptoms: Urticaria, erythema, bronchiole constriction, laryngeal edema, shock, death
- Examples: eczema, asthma, anaphylaxis, hay fever