Which empiric regimen provides coverage for both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

The choice of the first option is appropriate because it combines an agent effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a broad-spectrum cephalosporin effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Vancomycin is the standard treatment for MRSA, owing to its activity against this resistant strain of Staphylococcus bacteria. On the other hand, cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin that has robust activity against Gram-negative pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it an excellent choice in this context.

Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, also offers additional coverage against a range of Gram-negative organisms, giving this regimen an even broader spectrum of activity. Combining these three agents thus provides a comprehensive empiric treatment strategy for infections likely caused by both MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Other options do not provide similar coverage for both pathogens due to either the lack of adequate MRSA coverage or insufficient activity against Pseudomonas. Thus, the outlined regimen in the first choice is logically crafted for its targeted coverage against the specified resistant organisms.