Publication Date
3-2020
Disclaimer
These guidelines do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare guidelines for each. Accordingly, these guidelines should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.
Objective of the Guideline
The objective of this guideline is to improve and standardize the care of children with an exam indicative of CAP that are cared for in the Emergency Department (ED), Urgent Care Clinic (UCC), Ambulatory, and Inpatient setting.
Target Users
ED/UCC physicians; Inpatient physicians; General Pediatricians; Residents and Fellow Trainees; Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Questions Answered by Guideline
1. In pediatric patients with suspected CAP, when is imaging necessary and what type is needed for the diagnosis of CAP?
2. In pediatric patients with suspected CAP, what is the predictive value of a CBC or inflammatory marker laboratory tests (CRP, Procalcitonin, ESR) to assist in the diagnosis of CAP?
3. In pediatric patients with CAP, when should blood cultures be obtained?
4. In pediatric patients with suspected CAP, when should rapid viral testing be used to help distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia?
5a. In pediatric patients with uncomplicated CAP, what treatment regimen is recommended?
- Antibiotic selection, dosing, and duration
5b. In pediatric patients with complicated CAP, what treatment regimen is recommended?
- Antibiotic selection, dosing, and duration
5c. In pediatric patients with CAP and a penicillin allergy, what treatment regimen is recommended?
- Serious/Type I hypersensitivity
- Non-serious/Non-type I hypersensitivity
6. In pediatric patients with suspected CAP, what clinical features suggest atypical pneumonia?
Keywords
Community Acquired Pneumonia; Community-Acquired Infections; Antibiotic Administration
Disciplines
Pediatrics
Recommended Citation
Children's Mercy Kansas City, "Community-Acquired Pneumonia" (2020). Clinical Pathways.
https://scholarlyexchange.childrensmercy.org/clinical_guidelines/2
