skip to main content

Empirical Gram-Negative Cover Catheter BSI — ESENeph MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHaemodialysisEmpirical Gram-Negative Cover Catheter BSIESENeph

A 50-year-old man on haemodialysis develops fever and chills 30 minutes after the start of a dialysis session. Blood cultures are drawn from the dialysis line and peripherally. Both sets grow Gram-negative bacilli. He is on a tunnelled catheter. What empirical antibiotic should cover Gram-negative organisms in addition to Gram-positive cover (Vancomycin)?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — IV Gentamicin – provides Gram-negative cover as part of empirical treatment for catheter-related bloodstream infection in haemodialysis patients

Suspected haemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection requires prompt local microbiology and renal-team input. Empirical treatment commonly combines glycopeptide Gram-positive cover with an agent active against Gram-negative organisms, such as protocol-adjusted gentamicin, then narrows treatment to culture susceptibility and manages the catheter source.

Reference: https://guidelines.ukkidney.org