Correct!
2. Diffuse consolidation
There is consolidation in both lungs. Consolidation means that alveoli are filled with liquid rather than air. Because the alveoli surround the bronchi which contain air, an air-water interface is formed producing an air bronchogram on imaging studies. Chronic interstitial disease is a possibility in this patient who has rheumatoid arthritis but without older x-rays for comparison this would be difficult to diagnose. The tip of the endotracheal tube is about at the level of the top of the aortic arch which means it is a satisfactory position. She has a venous catheter inserted into her right subclavian vein and pneumothorax can result from the procedure. However, there is no evidence of a pneumothorax on the portable chest x-ray.
In a patient who develops rapid respiratory failure the overwhelming concern is pneumonia? Endotracheal suction specimens were sent to the laboratory.
Which of the following tests and/or cultures should be ordered? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the next panel)