Problem
A60-year-old man is admitted to the hospital from work with fever, cough, tachypnea, and increased sputum production. His past medical history is significant for smoking two packs per day and prn 2-week amoxicillin antibiotic courses for sputum color changes. His blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg and RR 30 breaths/minute. He has an elevated WBC count and crackles in the lower base of the right lung. A Gram stain shows predominant gram-negative rods.
1. What findings are consistent with pneumonia in this man?
2. What more information would you need to confirm this?
3. What empiric treatment might you consider?
4. How would you decide if inpatient treatment is necessary?