Step 1: Recall mycoplasma structure. Mycoplasmas lack a cell wall.
Step 2: Link to drug action. Beta lactams such as ceftriaxone (a third generation cephalosporin) act by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, so with no cell wall to target they are ineffective and mycoplasma is intrinsically resistant.
Step 3: Conclude. Ceftriaxone is the cell-wall-active beta lactam in the options, so option A is correct.
Step 4: Note effective drugs. Macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, which target protein or DNA, are the first-line treatments for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.