Patient presented with progressive SOB and weight loss for 6 months, pleural effusion was 1500 ml bloody with exudate effusion. What is the next step?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a medical scenario involving a patient with shortness of breath (SOB) and weight loss due to pleural effusion. It asks for the next step in treatment, presenting multiple-choice options.
Answer
CT with IV contrast.
The final answer is CT with IV contrast.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is CT with IV contrast.
More Information
A CT scan with IV contrast is performed to investigate the possibility of malignancy or other abnormal growths causing the pleural effusion.
Tips
A common mistake is skipping diagnostic imaging and proceeding directly to treatment without confirming the underlying cause.
Sources
- Pleural effusion: diagnosis, treatment, and management - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Pleural Effusion Treatment & Management - Medscape Reference - emedicine.medscape.com
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