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CAP (Duration Criteria) — ABIM Board MCQ

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HardInfectious DiseasesCAP (Duration Criteria)ABIM Board

A 51-year-old outpatient with radiographically confirmed community-acquired pneumonia has been treated with an appropriate oral regimen. On day 5 she is afebrile, normotensive, eating normally, has normal mentation and oxygenation, and no unstable vital signs. What is the best next step?

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Correct answer: C — Stop antibiotics after completing the five-day course

CAP treatment should continue until clinical stability is achieved and for at least five days. Radiographic clearing lags clinical improvement and is not required before discontinuing an otherwise appropriate course.

Reference: ATS/IDSA Guideline: Community-acquired Pneumonia in Adults: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6812437/