Pneumonia: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common cause of pneumonia in elderly patients (65+ years old)?
A. Influenza virus
B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
C. Listeria monocytogenes
D. Parainfluenza virus
E. Chlamydia pneumoniae
Answer and topic summary
The answer is A. Influenza virus
Viruses, specifically influenza virus, account for about 50% of pneumonia cases in the elderly and are less severe than bacterial pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia in older adults often progresses to secondary bacterial pneumonia, commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Staphylococcus aureus.
- Clinical Presentation: Fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgias, and respiratory distress in a patient with recent flu symptoms.
- Diagnosis: Chest X-ray shows diffuse or patchy infiltrates, and PCR or rapid antigen testing confirms influenza.
- Treatment: Neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) if diagnosed early. Supportive care includes oxygen and fluids, and bacterial superinfection requires antibiotics.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Pulmonary ⇒ ⇒
Also on the topic list for the Pediatric EOR, Emergency Medicine EOR, Internal Medicine EOR, and Family Medicine EOR topic lists
