Correct!
5. All of the above
A thoracic CT scan was obtained to better define the abnormalities reported on the portable chest x-ray (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Representative image in lung windows from the thoracic CT scan showing bilateral consolidation left greater than right.
A nasal swab for COVID-19 was obtained along with sputum and blood cultures. Because of the possibility of COVID-19 he should be placed in respiratory isolation.
He also received word that his girlfriend who he had met in Hawaii had returned home to South Korea and was ill with similar complaints of fever and cough. She had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was being evaluated for the new, novel coronavirus COVID-19.
His girlfriend’s history raises the possibility that he might have COVID-19 (also known as SARS-CoV-2). Results returned the two days later and were positive (His girlfriend was also positive). At about this time he became increasingly short of breath and was begun on supplemental oxygen therapy. Hydroxychloroquine has been touted in some preliminary studies as possibly being beneficial for COVID-19 (1). However, in our opinion the results are preliminary and the data is weak at this time.
What should be done at this time? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the fifth of six pages.)