Assignment task:
A 55-year-old woman is being seen in your clinic complaining of cough, fever, and purulent sputum for the past 3 days. She notes there have also been a number of other family members having respiratory problems. Her past medical history consists of osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus Type 2. She is currently on hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, and metformin. On examination, the patient is thin but otherwise appears healthy. Her current temperature is 102°F, pulse is 108 bpm, blood pressure is 122/78 mm Hg, and respirations are 22 breaths/min. Bronchial breath sounds are heard over the left lower lung fields. There is dullness to percussion over the left lower lung. Cardiovascular examination and abdominal examination are unremarkable. CBC reveals a white count of 14,000 cells/mm3. CXR reveals a left lower lobe infiltrate. What is your most likely diagnosis and most likely causative organism? What is your next diagnostic step? What is the next step in therapy? Want Professional Help?