Which of the following is a characteristic of broad spectrum penicillins?

Broad spectrum penicillins are designed to be effective against a wider range of bacteria compared to their narrow-spectrum counterparts. The defining characteristic that makes option B correct is that broad spectrum penicillins can effectively target most gram-negative organisms. This capability is a key feature of these antibiotics, enabling them to treat infections caused by a variety of bacteria, including those that are more complex due to their gram-negative nature.

This class of penicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, can penetrate the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria better than narrow-spectrum penicillins, thus expanding their efficacy. This broader range of activity is crucial in clinical settings where infections may be caused by various bacterial strains.

In contrast, while targeting primarily gram-positive bacteria is a characteristic of some penicillins, it does not define broad spectrum penicillins, which go beyond merely gram-positive coverage. Additionally, while broad spectrum penicillins can be used in children, being preferred for use specifically in that population does not represent a defining characteristic of the drug class itself. Moreover, limited oral absorption is more characteristic of certain types of antibiotics but does not apply to broad spectrum penicillins, which generally have adequate oral bioavailability.