Consider extended infusion beta-lactams per protocol
Duration and stewardship
Shorter courses reduce resistance and adverse effects
Biomarkers as adjunct for stopping decisions
Patient Discharge Instructions
copy discharge instructions
Discharge instructions set
Diagnosis and expectations
Hospital-acquired pneumonia treated with antibiotics
Cough and fatigue may persist for days to weeks
Medications
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
If side effects severe, contact clinician urgently
Return to ED immediately for
Trouble breathing or SpO2 decline if home monitoring available
Chest pain
Confusion or fainting
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Fever recurrence after improvement
Follow-up
Follow-up with primary care or hospital team within 48 to 72 hours after discharge
Review culture results and adjust antibiotics if needed
Prevention
Hand hygiene
Incentive spirometry and mobility as directed
Vaccination review for influenza and pneumococcus when appropriate
References
Clinical guidelines and key sources
Core references
IDSA and ATS guideline for management of HAP and VAP
Empiric coverage recommendations for MRSA and Pseudomonas
7-day duration recommendation for most patients with response
Surviving Sepsis Campaign guideline
Early antibiotics for septic shock
Vasopressor and MAP targets for shock
CDC NHSN surveillance definitions
HAP and VAP related surveillance and ventilator-associated events concepts
Infection prevention bundle alignment
Evidence grading and practice statements
Evidence framing used in this reference
ACEP Level A
High-quality evidence from multiple randomized trials or meta-analyses
Strong recommendation when applicable to ED care
ACEP Level B
Moderate evidence supporting recommendation
Common for diagnostic and treatment pathways in critical illness
ACEP Level C
Consensus or limited evidence
Use with clinical judgment and local policy
Class I recommendation
Benefit strongly outweighs risk
Standard of care when applicable
Class IIa recommendation
Benefit outweighs risk
Reasonable to perform
Class IIb recommendation
Benefit at least equals risk
May be considered in select cases
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.