Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Practice Exam

Postoperatively, what therapy should be recommended for a patient with a left lower lobe infiltrate and fever?

1. Anti-infective agent

2. Beta agonist aerosol

3. Sustained maximal inspiration

4. Oral expectorant

The correct answer is: Anti-infective agent

For a patient who presents with a left lower lobe infiltrate and fever postoperatively, the recommended therapy is an anti-infective agent. The presence of an infiltrate, combined with fever, suggests a possible infectious process, such as pneumonia, which is common in postoperative patients due to factors like impaired lung function, decreased mobility, and potential aspiration events. Utilizing anti-infective agents (antibiotics) is essential in addressing any potential bacterial infection that may be indicated by the infiltrate on imaging. Timely administration of these medications can prevent the progression of a respiratory infection, improve the patient's overall recovery, and reduce the risk of complications, such as sepsis. Other therapies, while beneficial in various contexts, do not directly address the underlying infection indicated by the findings. Beta agonist aerosols may be useful for bronchospasm or wheezing but are not first-line for resolving an infection. Sustained maximal inspiration techniques are beneficial for promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis but do not directly treat infection. Oral expectorants can assist in clearing mucus but are not sufficient on their own if an infection is present. Therefore, starting an anti-infective agent is the most appropriate course of action in this scenario.