A 60-year-old with suspected CAP has low procalcitonin but classic clinical and radiographic features. Should antibiotics be started?...

Question

A 60-year-old with suspected CAP has low procalcitonin but classic clinical and radiographic features. Should antibiotics be started?

Accepted Answer

Yes; start empiric antibiotics regardless of PCT result when clinical/radiographic CAP is present

Answer

No, procalcitonin must be elevated

Answer

Only if CRP elevated

Answer

Wait 48 hours for repeat PCT

Answer

Viral panel alone is sufficient

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): CAP-Biomarkers