A 67-year-old woman recently treated with a beta-lactam for sinusitis should next be prescribed which antibiotic?

In the case of a 67-year-old woman who has recently been treated with a beta-lactam antibiotic for sinusitis, the choice of prescribing moxifloxacin is appropriate due to its broad spectrum of activity, including against both typical and atypical pathogens that can cause sinusitis. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic known for its efficacy in treating respiratory tract infections, making it a valuable option for patients who have not responded adequately to initial beta-lactam therapy.

Additionally, moxifloxacin is particularly effective against strains of bacteria that may be resistant to other classes of antibiotics, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which often accounts for cases of sinusitis. By utilizing an antibiotic from a different class after the failure of a beta-lactam, healthcare providers can increase the likelihood of effectively addressing the patient's infection.

Other options, while sometimes used in specific contexts, may not provide the same broad coverage or be as effective in this scenario. For instance, amoxicillin, being a beta-lactam, would not be appropriate as a follow-up option if the patient's previous beta-lactam treatment was ineffective. Meanwhile, ciprofloxacin is less preferred for respiratory infections compared to moxifloxacin due to its