A -month-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his parents due to persistent fever, worsening cough, and rapid breathing. Four days ago, he was seen at an urgent care clinic for a runny nose, low-grade fever, and diffuse wheezing. At that time, he was diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory tract infection and discharged with supportive care. Over the past hours, his temperature has spiked to (). The patient has a history of mild atopic dermatitis. His immunizations are up to date, including the pneumococcal conjugate and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. Vital signs show a heart rate of , respiratory rate of , and blood pressure of . Oxygen saturation is on room air. On physical examination, the child appears acutely ill but is alert and interactive. Lung auscultation reveals diffuse expiratory wheezing and new focal crackles in the right lower lung field. A chest radiograph demonstrates a dense right lower lobe consolidation with a small, free-flowing right-sided pleural effusion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in pharmacologic management?
- Intravenous ampicillinCevap
- BIntravenous ceftriaxone and vancomycin
- CNebulized albuterol and oral dexamethasone
- DIntravenous clindamycin
- EOral azithromycin