A patient with myasthenia gravis presents with a fever and suspected pneumonia. What immediate treatment is necessary?

In the case of a patient with myasthenia gravis who presents with a fever and suspected pneumonia, initiating antibiotic therapy is the immediate treatment necessary. Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, making patients more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

The presence of fever indicates an infection, and pneumonia can significantly complicate the clinical picture. Initiating antibiotic therapy promptly is crucial to treat the bacterial infection effectively and prevent further deterioration in the patient's respiratory status.

While providing supplemental oxygen might seem appropriate, it does not address the underlying infection. Similarly, pulmonary function testing, while useful in assessing the extent of respiratory compromise, is not an immediate intervention that would help manage the infection. Intubation would be considered if the patient shows signs of severe respiratory failure, but the primary step in this scenario should be to treat the pneumonia with antibiotics.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the necessity of addressing the infection promptly to improve patient outcomes.