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Community-acquired pneumonia follow-up — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyInternal Medicine (chronic management)Community-acquired pneumonia follow-upUSMLE Step 3

A 66-year-old man has community-acquired pneumonia treated as an outpatient with amoxicillin-clavulanate plus azithromycin. At 48-hour telephone follow-up, fever has resolved and dyspnea is improving. He asks if he should continue antibiotics. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Continue the prescribed short course and reassess if symptoms worsen

Clinical improvement at 48 to 72 hours supports continuing the planned outpatient regimen; escalation is not needed without deterioration.

Reference: IDSA/ATS community-acquired pneumonia guideline