Which antibiotic option is listed for high-risk puncture wounds?

Which antibiotic option is listed for high-risk puncture wounds?

• A. Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
• B. Doxycycline
• C. Azithromycin
• D. Ciprofloxacin and Cephalexin

Answer: (D)

High-risk puncture wounds require antibiotics that cover Pseudomonas as well as common skin flora. Ciprofloxacin provides strong activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a key pathogen in these injuries), while cephalexin covers the usual Gram-positive skin bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Together, they give broad, practical coverage for the mixed infection risks seen in puncture wounds, especially those through footwear. Alternatives like amoxicillin-clavulanate lack reliable Pseudomonas coverage, and doxycycline or azithromycin do not adequately cover pseudomonal infections. Thus, the combination of ciprofloxacin and cephalexin is the best fit for high-risk puncture wounds.

High-risk puncture wounds require antibiotics that cover Pseudomonas as well as common skin flora. Ciprofloxacin provides strong activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a key pathogen in these injuries), while cephalexin covers the usual Gram-positive skin bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Together, they give broad, practical coverage for the mixed infection risks seen in puncture wounds, especially those through footwear. Alternatives like amoxicillin-clavulanate lack reliable Pseudomonas coverage, and doxycycline or azithromycin do not adequately cover pseudomonal infections. Thus, the combination of ciprofloxacin and cephalexin is the best fit for high-risk puncture wounds.