skip to main content

Community Acquired Pneumonia — UKMLA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory MedicineCommunity Acquired PneumoniaUKMLAMRCGP AKTPARAPSA

A 73-year-old man admitted with community-acquired pneumonia has a CURB65 score of 2. An atypical pathogen is suspected because several residents at his care home have a similar febrile illness with dry cough and myalgia. He can take oral medicines and has no penicillin allergy. Which oral regimen follows NICE NG250?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Amoxicillin plus clarithromycin for 5 days

B is correct. NICE NG250 lists oral amoxicillin as first-line treatment for moderate-severity community-acquired pneumonia and adds clarithromycin, or erythromycin in pregnancy, when an atypical pathogen is suspected. The usual course is 5 days. Amoxicillin alone would omit indicated atypical cover in this stem. Doxycycline or clarithromycin alone can be alternatives when there is penicillin allergy, but that is not present. Routine co-amoxiclav, fluoroquinolone treatment, a 7-day course or a 10-day macrolide course is not justified by the stated severity and suitability for oral treatment.

Reference: NICE NG250, table 1: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng250/chapter/recommendations