Question

A 58-year-old with severe CAP requires ICU admission. Which diagnostic test is recommended to guide targeted therapy in severe CAP?

Accepted Answer

Obtain microbial cultures (blood/respiratory) before antibiotics when feasible

Answer

No cultures unless septic shock

Answer

Sputum Gram stain never indicated

Answer

Wait 48 h for cultures before starting empiric therapy

Answer

Respiratory viral testing is contraindicated

Practice question

A 58-year-old with severe CAP requires ICU admission. Which diagnostic test is recommended to guide targeted therapy in severe CAP?