A 72-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Office Due to 4

A 72-year-old man is brought to the office due to 4 weeks of worsening productive cough.  The patient has also had malaise and night sweats and has lost 3 kg (6.6 lb) during this period.  His wife states that he has had occasional nonproductive cough in the past, particularly while eating, but it is now persistent and productive of abundant yellow sputum.  The patient has a history of hypertension and Parkinson disease.  He has a remote 5-pack-year history but does not use alcohol.  He is a retired schoolteacher, lives in Ohio, and has not traveled or been exposed to sick contacts recently.  Temperature is 38.3 C (100.9 F) , blood pressure is 126/68 mm Hg, pulse is 88/min, and respirations are 14/min.  Pulse oximetry is 96% on room air.  On examination, the patient appears frail with resting tremor of both hands.  Lung auscultation reveals scattered rhonchi but no wheezing.  Heart sounds are normal.  Laboratory results are as follows: Chest x-ray reveals a density with cavitation in the right lower lobe.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current condition?

A) Histoplasma infection
B) Necrotizing vasculitis
C) Neoplastic proliferation
D) Oropharyngeal aspiration
E) Tuberculosis reactivation

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free