17th February 2025

A 50-year-old patient with a 30-pack-year smoking history is admitted with cough, fever and shortness of breath.

A 50-year-old patient with a 30-pack-year smoking history is admitted with cough, fever and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray shows left basal consolidation. She has no known lung disease.

ABG on 10L O2 via face mask shows the following: pH 7.27, pCO2 9.1, pO2 7.7, bicarbonate 29

What is the next most appropriate action?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.