Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCDS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cefoxitin is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that is particularly effective against a range of gram-negative bacteria. It is often used to treat infections caused by these types of organisms, including those that may lead to pneumonia. The choice of treatment with cefoxitin suggests that the clinician suspects a bacterial pathogen that is likely resistant to first-line antibiotics and is more common in hospital-acquired or aspiration pneumonia scenarios, where gram-negative bacteria are frequently involved.

Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and certain species of Enterobacter, are significant contributors to pneumonia in patients with specific risk factors such as hospital stay or underlying health issues. In this context, it is clear that cefoxitin's spectrum of activity aligns with bacterial pathogens typically responsible for pneumonia cases involving gram-negative organisms.

While pneumonia can certainly be community-acquired, the reference to cefoxitin treatment implies a focus on the more resistant and virulent strains often associated with gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the choice of this antibiotic class strongly indicates that gram-negative pneumonia is the target condition being treated.