Question

A 63-year-old man presents with fever, productive cough and pleuritic chest pain for three days. Vital signs: temperature 38.6 °C, blood pressure 95/60 mmHg, pulse 112 beats/min, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min and oxygen saturation 90% on room air. Urea is 9.5 mmol/L. Chest radiograph shows right lower lobe consolidation. According to the CURB-65 score and Canadian practice, what is the most appropriate disposition?

Accepted Answer

Admit to ICU or a high-dependency unit for close monitoring and intravenous therapy.

Answer

Manage as an outpatient with oral antibiotics and follow-up in 48 hours.

Answer

Admit to a general medical ward for intravenous antibiotics.

Answer

Discharge with oral antibiotics and arrange a community nurse visit only if symptoms worsen.

Answer

Treat as an outpatient with a macrolide alone because he is <65 years.

Practice question