Question

You are using the CURB-65 clinical prediction tool to decide whether Mabel, whom you have diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), should be hospitalized or treated at home. Her score is 3. What should you do?

Answer 1

With a CURB-65 score of 3, Mabel has a moderate risk of mortality from community-acquired pneumonia and should be considered for hospital admission for appropriate care and monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using the CURB-65 clinical prediction tool to evaluate Mabel's need for hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a score of 3 suggests a moderate risk of mortality and indicates that hospital admission should be seriously considered. CURB-65 stands for Confusion, Urea, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, and Age 65 or older. Each factor scores 1 point, with higher scores correlating with increased severity and risk.

Given Mabel's score of 3, she falls into a risk category that suggests close observation and possibly hospital treatment is needed. Mabel would likely benefit from enhanced medical support that inpatient care can provide, such as close monitoring of her vital signs, potential oxygen supplementation, and timely administration of intravenous antibiotics or other medications.

Medical professionals often use CURB-65 to decide on the most appropriate location for treatment of pneumonia, and a score of 3 out of 5 calls for a cautious approach with a strong consideration for hospital-based care to ensure Mabel's safety and optimal recovery.