NAPLEX Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Preparation

When it comes to perioperative antibiotic selection for orthopedic surgery, patients with a beta-lactam allergy should be given clindamycin or vancomycin. This is because these antibiotics are effective against common orthopedic pathogens and do not contain any beta-lactam components, making them a safe choice for patients with an allergy. Option A (cefazolin) is incorrect because it is a beta-lactam antibiotic. Option B (metronidazole) is also incorrect because it is not typically used for perioperative prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery. Option D (cefoxitin) is not recommended for patients with beta-lactam allergies as it can cause cross-reactivity. Therefore, option C is the best choice for patients with a beta-lactam allergy.