The Philippine Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Guidelines from 2004 provide an algorithm for classifying patients into different risk categories - low, moderate, or high risk - based on their vital signs, symptoms, lab results, imaging and other factors to determine the appropriate treatment setting - whether outpatient, inpatient, or intensive care. Patients are first classified as low, moderate, or high risk and then the algorithm provides guidance on treatment and monitoring based on that risk classification.

1. Algorithm: Philippine Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Guidelines 2004
CAP
↓
Any of the following: Any of the following:
RR > or = 30/min 1. Shock or signs of
PR > or = 125/min hypoperfusion.
T > or = 40 or < or = 35oC Hypotension
Suspected aspiration Altered Mental state,
Extrapulmonary evidence Yes Urine Output <30ml/hr Yes High Risk
of sepsis → 2. PaO2 <60mmHg or → CAP
Unstable comorbid conditions acute hypercapnea ↓
CXR: multilobar, pleural (PaCO2 >50mmHg) Intensive Care
effusion, abscess, progression at room air
of lesion to 75% in 24 hours. ↓
↓ Moderate Risk CAP
Low Risk CAP ↓
↓ In-Patient
Out-Patient