6th May 2024

A 68-year-old man, with a history of chronic heart failure, is admitted to the hospital for a hip replacement.

A 68-year-old man, with a history of chronic heart failure, is admitted to the hospital for a hip replacement. On the fifth day of his hospital stay, he develops a high fever, productive cough with yellowish sputum, and shortness of breath. His oxygen saturation is 90% on room air, and a chest X-ray shows new infiltrates. He is diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).

What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?