Response needed for following post from peer:
Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of both children and adults (Rogers & Brashers, 2023). It is defined as pneumonia whose genesis began outside of the hospital setting, and it’s a frequent reason for admission into the hospital (Rogers & Brashers, 2023). On an interesting note, a few key signs during assessment can note its presence, in addition to a cough, egophony, dullness to percussion, and overall clinical impression can show its presence (Ebell et al., 2020). LT is a 62-year-old male diagnosed with this illness. The antibiotic chosen should effectively target the causative bacteria (Babonji et al., 2023). Since we do not have that information, I would choose a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Erythromycin is one of the safest antibiotics and has a relatively broad antimicrobial spectrum (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). It has been observed, with the use of a macrolides, or doxycycline, clinical stability can occur within three days (Babonji et al., 2023). To monitor its efficacy, I would check for a reduction in fever, inflammation, and pain, for clear (or at least improved) breath sounds, and from subjective data from the patient. If LT had received antibiotics several weeks prior, I would prescribe a Fluoroquinolone. This class of drug has a broad spectrum and multiple applications (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). Ciprofloxacin can be used for a myriad of infections (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). It is rapidly bactericidal and is usually tolerated well in older adults (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). Additionally, erythromycin and Cipro have different mechanisms of action. If LT ended up with diarrhea, an assessment would be done to find its cause. If it was just due to the antibiotic, and did not denote something more serious, I would advise the patient to drink more fluids, take an antidiarrheal, and start taking probiotics. If the diarrhea was from C. Diff, it would be considered a superinfection (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). This type of infection is called C-Diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). If LT had it, I would put him on vancomycin or metronidazole. Vigorous fluid and electrolyte therapy is recommended (Rosenthal & Rosenjack Burcham, 2021). Additionally, I educate the patient to take probiotics.
