MCQ Pediatrics Answer 19

The Correct Answer is A


Various studies have shown that staphylacocci and hemolytic streptococci are the main bacterial etiologic agents causing cervical lymphadenitis in children. A needle aspirate of the largest lymph node may be performed to identify the etiologic agent. When a child is ill, accumulated data support the use of an antibiotic which is active against both streptococci and staphylococci (especially the penicillinase-producing staphylococci) until the results of bacterial cultures are known. All of the antibiotics listed would have varying degrees of effectiveness against streptococci but, of those listed, only dicloxacillin offers the best coverage for penicillinase-producing staphylococci.


Ref: Hoekelman RA (ed): Principles of Pediatrics, ed 3. Mosby-Year Book Inc, 1997, pp 1267-1269.

Category: Pediatrics MCQs