Review Question - QID 212737

A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a fever and weakness. He states his symptoms started yesterday and have been gradually worsening. The patient has a past medical history of obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, as well as a 30 pack-year smoking history. He lives in a nursing home and has presented multiple times in the past for ulcers and delirium. His temperature is 103°F (39.4°C), blood pressure is 122/88 mmHg, pulse is 129/min, respirations are 24/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. Physical exam is notable for a murmur. The patient is started on vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and is admitted to the medicine floor. During his hospital stay, blood cultures grow Streptococcus bovis and his antibiotics are appropriately altered. A transesophageal echocardiograph is within normal limits. The patient’s fever decreases and his symptoms improve. Which of the following is also necessary in this patient?