CAP (stop criteria) — Medical Practice MCQ

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EasyInfectious DiseasesCAP (stop criteria)

A 65-year-old with pneumonia and improving symptoms after 5 days antibiotics remains with radiographic infiltrate. What to do?

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Correct answer: B — Stop antibiotics if clinically stable ≥5 days

Antibiotics can be stopped after ≥5 days when clinically stable; radiographic clearing lags clinically and is not required. Extending therapy or escalation is unnecessary without instability.

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