Which of the following interventions is most helpful in the management of acute infectious pneumonia?

• A. Use of antiviral medications for all cases
• B. Avoiding fluid intake to reduce lung congestion
• C. Administration of appropriate antibiotics
• D. Immediate discontinuation of all medications

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of acute infectious pneumonia, which is most commonly caused by bacterial pathogens, although viruses can also be involved.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the management of pneumonia depends on the causative agent; bacterial pneumonia typically requires antibiotic treatment, while viral pneumonia may require antiviral medications only in specific cases.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options given: antiviral medications are not universally effective for all pneumonia cases since many are bacterial; avoiding fluid intake is generally not recommended as hydration supports recovery; immediate discontinuation of all medications is not a standard approach and could be harmful.
4. Step 4: Identify that administration of appropriate antibiotics targets the most common bacterial causes of acute infectious pneumonia, making it the most helpful intervention in typical cases.
5. Step 5: Conclude that selecting the correct antibiotic based on clinical guidelines and, if possible, microbiological data is essential for effective management of acute infectious pneumonia.