12th August 2020

A 23-year old male with Cystic Fibrosis presents to A&E with increasing shortness of breath and pain on inspiration

A 23-year old male with Cystic Fibrosis presents to A&E with increasing shortness of breath and pain on inspiration, which has come on over the last 12 hours. He mentions that he coughed up some blood about an hour ago, which is unusual for him. He doesn’t have a history of travel, is normally mobile, has not had any fevers and has no other symptoms. He was hospitalised with pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas a year ago but has had no admissions since.

Vital signs: HR 120, BP 100/80, RR 25, O2 92% RA.

On examination: reduced air entry to left base and asymmetrical chest expansion on the left.

Based on his clinical presentation, which is the most appropriate treatment for his condition?

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