A 64-year-old with CAP asks whether a low procalcitonin level should preclude antibiotics. Best answer?...

Question

A 64-year-old with CAP asks whether a low procalcitonin level should preclude antibiotics. Best answer?

Accepted Answer

Do not withhold initial antibiotics solely for low procalcitonin

Answer

Withhold antibiotics if procalcitonin is low

Answer

Start antibiotics only if procalcitonin >0.5 ng/mL

Answer

Use procalcitonin alone to decide inpatient vs outpatient

Answer

Procalcitonin replaces clinical assessment

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Community-Acquired Pneumonia