PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the antibiotic of choice for most surgical procedures?

1. Ceftriaxone

2. Cefazolin

3. Vancomycin

4. Clindamycin

The correct answer is: Cefazolin

Cefazolin is considered the antibiotic of choice for most surgical procedures due to its effective coverage against common skin flora, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, which are frequent causes of surgical site infections. Its pharmacokinetic profile allows for adequate tissue penetration and a relatively long half-life, which is beneficial for maintaining effective levels during surgery. Moreover, cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin, and it is not only cost-effective but also has a lower incidence of adverse effects compared to broader-spectrum antibiotics. This makes it preferred in a variety of clean and clean-contaminated surgical procedures, such as orthopedic, cardiac, and general surgeries, where the risk of infection from skin microorganisms is significant. In comparison, while options like ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and clindamycin have their indications in specific circumstances, they are not the first-line choice for the broad prophylaxis of surgical infections in the context of routine surgical procedures. Ceftriaxone is often reserved for cases requiring broader gram-negative coverage or specific infections, vancomycin is generally used for patients at high risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and clindamycin is typically reserved for