A 78-year-old female residing in a nursing home is admitted with fever, cough productive of purulent sputum, and dyspnea. Chest X-ray shows a right lower lobe infiltrate. She has no known drug allergies. Which of the following is the most appropriate empiric antibiotic regimen for community-acquired pneumonia in this patient?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
For hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia, especially those with comorbidities or residing in nursing homes, combination therapy with a beta-lactam (e.g., ceftriaxone) and a macrolide (e.g., azithromycin) is recommended for empiric coverage.