You are called to the Emergency Department to see a 6-month-old boy with a 3-day...

This 6-month-old presents with signs of systemic illness, tachypnea, hypoxia, and focal lung findings. In this age group, pneumonia can rapidly progress, and given the severity of symptoms, oral treatment is insufficient. Intravenous antibiotics are urgently indicated.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Pediatrics, Respiratory Infections in Infants:

“Infants under 6 months with signs of systemic illness, hypoxia (SpO2 < 94%), and respiratory distress should receive IV antibiotics. Delayed treatment may result in rapid clinical deterioration.”

MCCQE1 Objectives – Pediatrics > Respiratory Conditions:

“Candidates must recognize signs of serious lower respiratory tract infection in infants and initiate prompt IV antibiotic therapy when criteria for hospitalization are met.”

Oral antibiotics (C) are appropriate for mild outpatient pneumonia. Reassurance (B) and oral steroids (A) are inappropriate. IV fluids (D) may be supportive but do not address the infectious cause.

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