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Hospital-acquired aspiration pneumonia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory InfectionsHospital-acquired aspiration pneumoniaSCE Respiratory

A 69-year-old man develops pneumonia 6 days after admission for stroke. He is febrile, oxygen saturation is 90% on air and CXR shows new right lower-zone consolidation. He has a weak cough and aspirates on swallow assessment. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Treat hospital-acquired aspiration pneumonia using local antimicrobial policy

New consolidation after several days in hospital with aspiration risk should be managed as hospital-acquired/aspiration pneumonia using local antimicrobial policy and measures to reduce further aspiration. It is not community-acquired. Imaging and cultures may support care but should not delay treatment in a hypoxaemic inpatient.

Reference: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/