An 80-year-old man presents with a complaint of acute shortness of breath. He says he has had difficulty breathing for the past two months, but the problem has worsened in the past two days. He reports experiencing dyspnea on exertion and denies fever or chills. He says he has had no appetite lately, adding that he’s lost about 20 to 30 lb in the past couple of months.
Medical history is significant for atrial fibrillation, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and remote bladder cancer. He is a former heavy smoker who quit about 30 years ago.
On initial assessment, you note an elderly male in mild respiratory distress. His vital signs are stable, except for his O
2 saturation, which is 90% on room air. On auscultation, you note decreased breath sounds on the right and occasional wheezing.
You order some preliminary lab work, as well as a chest radiograph. What is your impression?