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CAP Duration — Medical Practice MCQ

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EasyInfectious DiseasesCAP Duration

A 71-year-old with pneumonia improves clinically by day 4. No MRSA/Pseudomonas risk; hemodynamically stable. What is the recommended minimum duration of antibiotics?

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Correct answer: B — 5 days (with clinical stability)

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) therapy should be continued for at least 5 days and until the patient achieves clinical stability. Longer durations are not routinely needed. Radiographic resolution lags and is not required to stop therapy.

Reference: ATS/IDSA Guideline (2019): Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-Acquired Pneumonia