Correct!
1. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy is arguably the most appropriate choice among those listed, but both cryobiopsy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy are appropriate choices as well. Open surgical lung biopsy is not a good choice as the desired information can be obtained through more than one of the other methods listed with less expense and morbidity.).
The patient underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy. The lavage fluid was clear, showing 35% neutrophils, 21% lymphocytes, and 39% alveolar macrophages with no features of current or previous hemorrhage. The lavage fluid did not show evidence of eosinophilia (5%). The transbronchial biopsy fragments were small, showing a mixed interstitial cellular infiltrate and intra-alveolar fibrin.
Which of the following courses of action is the most appropriate next step for the management of this patient? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the twelfth of fourteen pages)