A 68-year-old with severe COPD exacerbation and suspected bacterial infection meets Anthonisen criteria (increased dyspnea, sputum purulence and volum...

Question

A 68-year-old with severe COPD exacerbation and suspected bacterial infection meets Anthonisen criteria (increased dyspnea, sputum purulence and volume). Which antibiotic approach is reasonable?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics indicated when all three cardinal symptoms are present or if mechanical ventilation is required

Answer

No antibiotics regardless of sputum

Answer

Macrolide only if eosinophils high

Answer

Reserve antibiotics only for radiographic pneumonia

Answer

Treat with IV vancomycin empirically

us-abem MCQ (SBA): COPD Exacerbation (Antibiotics)

A 68-year-old with severe COPD exacerbation and suspected bacterial infection meets Anthonisen criteria (increased dyspnea, sputum purulence and volume). Which antibiotic approach is reasonable?