Question

You are selecting a prophylactic antibiotic to be administered prior to an abdominal surgery. Gram negatives and anerobes must be covered. Which generations of cephalosporin will be the best to use?

A. cefazolin (Ancef) - a 1st generation cephalosporin
B. cefoxitin (Mefoxin) - a 2nd generation cephalosporin
C. cefepime (Maxipime) - 4th generation cephalosporin

Answer 1

The second generation cephalosporin, cefoxitin (Mefoxin), would be the best choice for prophylactic antibiotic administration prior to abdominal surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best generation of cephalosporin to use for prophylactic antibiotic administration prior to abdominal surgery to cover gram negatives and anaerobes would be the second generation cephalosporin, cefoxitin (Mefoxin).

Cefazolin (Ancef) is a first generation cephalosporin that primarily covers gram-positive bacteria and does not have reliable coverage against gram negatives and anaerobes. Cefepime (Maxipime) is a fourth generation cephalosporin that has even broader spectrum of activity, including against some extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacteria, but does not provide reliable coverage against anaerobes.