Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test

What is the key treatment for a 7-month pregnant woman diagnosed with a urinary tract infection?

1. Oral antibiotics

2. Intravenous ampicillin

3. Intravenous ceftriaxone

4. Intravenous ciprofloxacin

The correct answer is: Intravenous ceftriaxone

In the case of a 7-month pregnant woman diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, the primary consideration is selecting a treatment that is both effective and safe for the mother and the developing fetus. The most appropriate treatment in this scenario would be intravenous ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is often chosen for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections in pregnant women due to its broad spectrum of activity against common uropathogens and its favorable safety profile. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe during pregnancy, making it a suitable option for treating infections in this population. Intravenous administration may be preferred in cases where the patient is experiencing more severe symptoms or has complications that warrant more aggressive or rapid intervention. While oral antibiotics are typically the first-line treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in non-pregnant patients or those earlier in gestation, intravenous therapy might be required in a later trimester due to potentially higher risks of pyelonephritis and other complications. Intravenous ampicillin is also an option but may not be as effective against certain resistant organisms as ceftriaxone. Ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risks associated with fetal development. Choosing