Empiric antibiotic therapy
Empiric therapy for the hospitalized patient should be initially broad and cover the likely causative organisms. Use caution in patients who are elderly or debilitated. If bacteremia is present in persons with pneumococcus who are older than 80 years, the mortality rate remains approximately 40%, even with aggressive treatment.
Many regions have guidelines for evaluation and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This usually includes a minimum time from door to antibiotic administration of four hours or less. Failure to abide by these time parameters may be associated with poor outcome. When in doubt, administer the first antibiotic dose.
Other initial treatments may include correction of electrolyte levels and chest physiotherapy (to assist in drainage of secretions).
See Antimicrobial Therapy.