An older patient is hospitalized on the general medical floor with pneumonia secondary to influenza and is prescribed antibiotics.What assessment finding would indicate a higher level of care is needed for this patient? A)Spreading infiltrates on chest x-ray B)Creatinine 3.2 mg/dL C)White blood cell count 18,000/mm³ D)Positive sputum cultures for pneumococcus

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Spreading infiltrates on chest x-ray indicate worsening pneumonia, which may require a higher level of care, such as the intensive care unit (ICU).

An Older Patient Is Hospitalized on the General Medical Floor