American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is an appropriate inpatient antibiotic for complicated UTI treatment?

1. Levofloxacin 750mg IV daily

2. Ceftriaxone 1 gram IM

3. Penicillin G 1 million units IV

4. Vancomycin 1 gram IV daily

The correct answer is: Levofloxacin 750mg IV daily

Levofloxacin is often considered an appropriate choice for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of its broad-spectrum activity against a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including common pathogens associated with complicated UTIs. When given intravenously at the recommended dosage, levofloxacin demonstrates good tissue penetration and can be effective against organisms that may not respond to oral antibiotics alone. Complicated UTIs often arise from factors such as obstruction, catheterization, or structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, which may require more aggressive treatment than typical uncomplicated UTIs. Levofloxacin's effectiveness in treating these cases is backed by its pharmacodynamic properties and its ability to achieve high urine concentrations, making it suitable for inpatient therapy. Other choices, like ceftriaxone, while effective against many bacterial strains, may not cover all potential pathogens associated with complicated UTIs as effectively as levofloxacin does, especially in cases caused by resistant strains. Penicillin G has a more limited spectrum and is typically employed for different types of infections, and vancomycin, although a potent antibiotic, is primarily reserved for resistant gram-positive bacterial infections rather than being a first-line treatment for UTIs. Studying the pathogens commonly involved and