Pneumonia

Question 1

A 3-year-old girl presents to the emergency department with lethargy, cough and breathlessness for the last 2 weeks. The mother tells you that the cough has been getting worse, but it is not productive of sputum. Her observations show fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea. You also notice a red rash with a bull’s eye appearance. Chest x-ray shows right lower zone consolidation.

What is the most appropriate oral therapy?

A. Amoxicillin
B. Co-amoxiclav
C. Benzylpenicillin
D. Erythromycin
E. Aciclovir

Answer 1

D. Erythromycin

This is mycoplasma pneumonia because of the erythema multiforme rash. Treatment is macrolides i.e erythromycin.

Note: mycoplasma pneumonia can also cause bullous myringitis