Question

A 65-year-old with COPD exacerbation and increased sputum purulence, volume, and dyspnea (Anthonisen criteria) has no pneumonia. What is the antibiotic strategy?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics indicated due to three cardinal symptoms

Answer

No antibiotics regardless of symptoms

Answer

Antibiotics only if fever >38.5°C

Answer

Antibiotics only if WBC >15,000/µL

Answer

Antibiotics only if positive procalcitonin

Practice question

A 65-year-old with COPD exacerbation and increased sputum purulence, volume, and dyspnea (Anthonisen criteria) has no pneumonia. What is the antibiotic strategy?