Question

A 54-year-old female with AIDS is admitted directly after being found unresponsive by a family member. She is intubated. She appears cachetic, pale, with the following data:

BP 86/42
HR 109/minute
RR 28/minute

The following tests are LEAST indicated initially:
A) Glucose
B) Metabolic Panel
C) Arterial Blood Gas
D) Mini-BAL

Answer 1

The least indicated test initially is Mini-BAL.

Step-by-step explanation:

The least indicated test initially in this case is D) Mini-BAL.

Mini-BAL (Mini-Bronchoalveolar Lavage) is a diagnostic test used to obtain samples from the lower respiratory tract for analysis, typically for identifying pathogens causing respiratory infections. However, in this scenario, the patient's presentation suggests a systemic condition that requires immediate attention, such as sepsis or shock. Therefore, tests that can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition, such as glucose, metabolic panel, and arterial blood gas, are more indicated initially.