What initial treatment is most appropriate for a patient with fever and productive cough after presenting with upper respiratory symptoms?

The initial treatment for a patient presenting with fever and productive cough after experiencing upper respiratory symptoms is best addressed with supportive care measures, which include medications like pseudophedrine and acetaminophen.

Pseudophedrine acts as a decongestant, alleviating nasal congestion and promoting better airflow, while acetaminophen is effective for reducing fever and managing any discomfort associated with the symptoms. This combination helps to provide symptomatic relief during the course of an upper respiratory illness, typically viral in nature, which is common and does not always require antibiotic treatment.

Using these medications addresses the patient's immediate discomfort and allows time for their immune system to combat the underlying viral infection, which is usually self-limiting. In contrast, the other options may not be appropriate as initial treatments for routine upper respiratory symptoms with fever and productive cough, especially given the likelihood of a viral origin.