Question

A 64-year-old woman presents with fever, productive cough and pleuritic chest pain. Observations: temperature 38.5°C, respiratory rate 26/min, blood pressure 102/62 mmHg, pulse 104 beats/min, confusion absent, urea 6 mmol/L. Her CURB-65 score is 2. What is the most appropriate disposition?

Accepted Answer

Admit to hospital for inpatient management

Answer

Discharge home with oral antibiotics and safety-netting

Answer

Community review in 48 hours without antibiotics

Answer

Immediate transfer to intensive care for invasive ventilation

Answer

Admit only if chest X-ray confirms lobar consolidation

Practice question

A 64-year-old woman presents with fever, productive cough and pleuritic chest pain. Observations: temperature 38.5°C, respiratory rate 26/min, blood pressure 102/62 mmHg, pulse 104 beats/min, confusion absent, urea 6 mmol/L. Her CURB-65 score is 2. What is the most appropriate disposition?