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Community-acquired pneumonia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardRespiratory InfectionsCommunity-acquired pneumoniaSCE Respiratory

A 79-year-old woman presents with fever, productive cough and confusion. Respiratory rate is 32/min, BP 92/58 mmHg, urea 11.4 mmol/L and chest radiograph shows right lower-zone consolidation. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: E — Admit and treat as high-severity community-acquired pneumonia

She has high-severity CAP by CURB-65 features including confusion, high urea, tachypnoea, hypotension and age. Admission with prompt antibiotics and senior review is indicated. Mild outpatient therapy would under-treat a patient at substantial mortality risk.

Reference: NICE NG250 Pneumonia in Adults; BTS CAP Guideline