A 78-years-old was admitted to the emergency department comp…
A 78-years-old was admitted to the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath for four days. The patient had a positive history of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and medical comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes type 2). Chest x-ray revealed right multilobar infiltrates. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 245. The patient was febrile, and the SBP was 96mm Hg. A rapid qualitative PCR for SARS CoV-2 was negative. The AGACNP suspects community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Blood cultures, sputum Gram stain and culture, and continuous oxygenation assessment were ordered. To establish an accurate etiologic diagnosis the AGACNP should additionally consider: