Correct!
1. Chest radiography shows an elevated left hemidiaphragm
Chest radiography (Figure 2) shows elevation of the left hemidiaphragm, suggesting paresis or paralysis.
Figure 2. Frontal (A) & lateral (B) chest radiography shows an elevated left hemidiaphragm, presumably reflecting phrenic nerve palsy related to the previous sternotomy. A dilated esophagus, manifesting as a prominent lucency (arrows), is visible. On the lateral projection, the combined posterior tracheal membrane and anterior wall of the esophagus, referred to as the posterior tracheo-esophageal stripe (arrowheads), are visible.
No nodules are evident, and there is no evidence of basilar fibrosis. No definite features to suggest bronchiectasis. No cavitation is evident.
At this point, which of the following represents the most appropriate step in this patient’s management? (click on the correct answer to be directed to the third of eleven pages)