Correct!
4. The chest radiograph shows the previously noted somewhat rounded opacity at the left base on the presentation chest radiograph (Figure 1) has slightly worsened
The chest radiograph appears fairly similar to the presentation chest radiograph (Figure 1), perhaps with slight worsening of the somewhat rounded opacity at the left base, but there is no evidence of cavitation. The mediastinum appears normal and no pleural abnormalities or interlobular septal thickening is present. The right lung remains clear.
In the Emergency Room, the patient was oxygenating well, with room air oxygenation saturation of 97%. Unlike his presentation, however, he was now complaining of substernal chest pain, and his white blood cell count was now 11.4 x 109 / L (normal, 3.4 – 9.6 x 109 / L). His D-dimer was mildly elevated at 707 ng/mL (normal, ≤500 ng/mL) and his C-reactive protein level was also elevated at 25 mg/L (normal, ≤8 mg/L). Repeat RT-PCR nasal swab testing for COVID-19 infection was performed and found to be positive, and the patient was admitted. Given his COVID-19 infection, hydroxychloroquine / chloroquine therapy was anticipated.
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 eighth of twelve pages)