Question

A 72-year-old woman in a residential aged care facility presents with acute confusion, fever and a productive cough. Chest auscultation reveals crackles at the right base. According to Australian aged care and pneumonia guidance, which of the following best describes the most appropriate initial assessment and management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange mobile chest X-ray and commence empirical antibiotics for suspected pneumonia

Answer

Treat as a simple viral upper respiratory infection with no investigations

Answer

Wait for sputum culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Transfer all such patients directly to intensive care

Answer

Start high-dose oral steroids without antibiotics

Practice question