Question

A 72-year-old man presents with cough, fever and pleuritic chest pain. Observations: temperature 38.6°C, respiratory rate 32/min, BP 92/58 mmHg, pulse 118 bpm, oxygen saturation 90% on air. Urea is 10 mmol/L. His CURB-65 score is 4. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Admit to hospital and commence intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics with urgent senior review

Answer

Treat as an outpatient with oral Amoxicillin

Answer

Admit to hospital and give oral Doxycycline only

Answer

No antibiotics; observe and repeat chest X-ray in 6 weeks

Answer

Discharge with safety-netting and arrange GP review in 48 hours

Practice question

A 72-year-old man presents with cough, fever and pleuritic chest pain. Observations: temperature 38.6°C, respiratory rate 32/min, BP 92/58 mmHg, pulse 118 bpm, oxygen saturation 90% on air. Urea is 10 mmol/L. His CURB-65 score is 4. What is the most appropriate management?