Question 5

Classify gram positive bacteria with examples (20% of marks). Outline the pharmacology of vancomycin (80% of marks).

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College Answer

The classification should have demonstrated a framework that covered relevant gram 
positive pathogens. Examples should have included both genus and species. More detail 
than “strep" or “Staph" was expected.
Knowledge of vancomycin was expected to include an outline of pharmaceutics, 
pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, dosing and adverse effects. In particular, 
pharmacokinetics should be well understood as there are significant implications for dosing. 
Common errors included incorrect examples such as "clostridium" or classifications lacking 
detail with respect to examples.