Correct!
1. There is a left lower lobe consolidation. or 3. A chest CT scan is required to definitely view any consolidation.

An area of consolidation is difficult to view on the portable chest X-ray. However, there is a left lower consolidation on the thoracic CT scan (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Representative image from admission thoracic CT scan in lung windows. (To view Figure 2 in a separate, enlarged window click here).

What should be done next? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the third of 6 pages)

1. Begin empiric antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia.
2. Perform bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage.
3. Empirically increase the dose of corticosteroids.
4. 1 and 3.
5. All of the above.

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