Which component of the CURB-65 severity score uses a blood urea threshold of greater than 7 mmol/L (about 19 mg/dL)?
- A Confusion
- B Respiratory rate
- C Urea ✓
- D Blood pressure
Correct answer: C. Urea
Explanation
The U in CURB-65 stands for urea above 7 mmol/L, equivalent to blood urea nitrogen above roughly 19 mg/dL. The remaining components are confusion (new disorientation), respiratory rate of 30 per minute or more, systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg or diastolic 60 mmHg or less, and age 65 years or older. A score of 0 or 1 suggests outpatient management, 2 suggests hospital admission, and 3 or higher indicates severe pneumonia needing assessment for intensive care.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.