Edwin is a 69 year old male who comes in to the clinic today stating that over the past few days, he has had a fever and chills, cough, and has been quite fatigued.  He didn take his temperature because he did not have a thermometer but he ¥lt hot  He says he is coughing up a little phlegm.  He states that it hurts when he takes a deep breath.  He also states that his appetite has not been very good.  He has been taking Tylenol with minimal relief.  He has also been drinking teas to try to break up the phlegm.

Edwin is a nonsmoker and non drinker.  He has been very healthy and has no medical problems.  He has never had surgery.

On exam, his vital signs are:  BP 130/80; P 84; R 14; T 103.2; Pulse ox: 94%. 

Exam reveals decreased rales and rhonchi, more pronounced in the left lower lung fields, with increased fremitus and dullness to percussion.  Chest x-ray reveals a consolidation in the left lower lobe.  This appears to confirm that he has pneumonia?

Which bacteria is the leading cause of pneumonia and the one that he most likely has? 

What is unusual about this pts history as compared to most pts that are at risk for s.pneumoniae?

1. In this type of pneumonia, the sputum analysis indicates gram _________ (negative/positive) diplococci. There are also a large number of _______________.
2. What other bacteria must be considered? 
3. What is the best way to identify the pathologic agent?
4. The best sputum sample comes from the saliva in the mouth. TRUE OR FALSE  
5. When is the best time to get a sputum sample? Why is that the best time?
6. When sending the sputum to the lab, how does the lab determine it is an adequate sample?)
7. Name four other diagnostics that can be done on this patient to further understand his condition.
8. If obtaining blood cultures, how many sets are typically obtained?
9. When choosing an antibiotic to treat this pt, it is important to try to cover for all pathogens, especially gram-negative organisms.
10. When treating on an outpatient basis, what class of drug should be used for this previously healthy man with no use of antimicrobial therapy within the previous 3 months?
11. Although there have been cases of resistance against this class, it is still recommended for pts without risk. Please write out the rx directions the way with the med and the sig how you would write it for the pt.
12. The choice of antibiotic therapy depends on three Important factors. What are they? 
13. In most cases, improvement is seen within __________ to _________ hours of initiation of antibiotics
14. Should cough medicine be recommended? _______  Why or why not? 
15. Name two teaching points to tell the patient.