American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

For a severe diabetic foot ulcer, the recommended treatment involves broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, particularly due to the high risk of polymicrobial infections that can include both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Piperacillin/tazobactam is effective against a wide range of organisms, including typical skin flora, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the inclusion of vancomycin targets methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a common concern in severe diabetic foot infections.

Diabetic foot ulcers are frequently associated with significant underlying tissue and bone infection, so a robust treatment plan addressing these concerns is critical. The combination of piperacillin/tazobactam with vancomycin provides comprehensive coverage, which is particularly important in severe cases where the infection may be deep and involve a mix of pathogens.

The other choices, while they may have their place in treating certain infections, do not offer the same level of broad-spectrum coverage or effectiveness for severe diabetic foot ulcers. Amoxicillin/clavulanate, for example, is more appropriate for milder infections; ciprofloxacin is better suited for specific cases and has limitations in coverage; and linezolid, while effective against MRSA,