skip to main content

Community-acquired pneumonia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareCommunity-acquired pneumoniaUSMLE Step 3

A 67-year-old man with well-controlled hypertension has cough, fever, and pleuritic right-sided chest pain. Temperature is 38.4°C and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. Chest radiograph shows right lower lobe infiltrate. He is alert, eating, and has normal renal function. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Treat as an outpatient with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate plus azithromycin

Stable outpatients with comorbidities and CAP can receive a beta-lactam plus macrolide or doxycycline; ICU care is not indicated without severity features.

Reference: ATS/IDSA Community-Acquired Pneumonia Guideline: https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/community-acquired-pneumonia-cap-in-adults/