Question

A 70-year-old man presents with fever, productive cough and pleuritic chest pain. Chest X-ray shows right lower lobe consolidation. His observations are: urea 9.0 mmol/L, respiratory rate 32/min, blood pressure 88/60 mmHg, confusion, age 70 years. His CURB65 score is 4. What is the most appropriate level of care?

Accepted Answer

Admit urgently to hospital and manage in a high-dependency or intensive care setting

Answer

Treat at home with oral antibiotics and safety netting

Answer

Admit to a general ward with low-intensity monitoring

Answer

Discharge with a chest X-ray appointment in 6 weeks

Answer

Arrange outpatient antibiotics and review in 72 hours

Practice question