A 44-year-old man develops intra-abdominal sepsis after undergoing difficult bowel resection and anastomosis. He is initially given ceftizoxime sodium (Cefizox), which is in effective because of overgrowth of which of the following?: (A) Pseudomonas, (B) Staphylococcus aureus, (C) Neisseria gonorrhoeae, (D) Bacteroides fragilis
Answer is A. Ceftizoxime (Cefizox) is not effective against many strains of Pseudomonas. If the drug is used, a higher dosage may be indicated, and the antibiotic should be changed if a quick response does not occur. Complications may occur in patients who are allergic to penicillin.