Final answer:
The CURB-65 score is a clinical tool used to determine the severity of pneumonia, including five factors: confusion, urea levels, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age. Each factor scores one point for a maximum score of 5, aiding in decisions about treatment and hospitalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CURB-65 score is a clinical tool used to assess the severity of pneumonia and to guide decisions regarding the need for hospitalization of patients with pneumonia (PNA). The score includes five prognostic factors:
- Confusion of new onset (defined as a mental test score of 8 or less out of 10).
- Urea level >7 mmol/L (19 mg/dL).
- Respiratory rate ≥ 30 breaths/min.
- Blood pressure low with a systolic < 90 mm Hg or diastolic ≤ 60 mm Hg.
- Age ≥ 65 years.
Each factor scores one point, for a maximum score of 5. A higher CURB-65 score indicates greater severity and a higher risk of mortality from pneumonia, which may necessitate more intensive treatment or hospitalization. The CURB-65 score assists health professionals in making critical decisions regarding patient care.