NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the first-choice treatment for bacterial meningitis in children aged 2 years and older?

Amp + Cefotaxime
Vanco + CTX/Cefotaxime
Inhaled ribavirin
Palivizumab

The correct answer is: Vanco + CTX/Cefotaxime

The first-choice treatment for bacterial meningitis in children aged 2 years and older is the combination of Vancomycin plus Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone (CTX). This combination provides broad coverage against the most common pathogens that cause meningitis in this age group. Vancomycin is effective against penicillin-resistant pneumococci, while Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone covers other common pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. This dual therapy is recommended to ensure adequate coverage and efficacy in treating bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients. Ampicillin alone (Choice A) may not provide adequate coverage against all the potential pathogens causing bacterial meningitis in children. Inhaled ribavirin (Choice C) is used for treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, not bacterial meningitis. Palivizumab (Choice D) is a monoclonal antibody used for preventing serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in high-risk infants, and it is not indicated for treating bacterial meningitis.