system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 66-year-old man is brought to the emergency department with complaints of progressively worsening hemoptysis. The patient states that he has had a chronic cough on account of his COPD, but he noticed that he had been coughing more consistently and frequently for the past 3 weeks. Initially, the blood in his sputum was minimal, but he now is seeing a substantial amount of blood and is concerned. He denies any other changes in his sputum over the past 3 weeks, except for the increased amount of blood. He denies shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, or lightheadedness. He notes that he has unintentionally lost about 5 kg (11 lb) over the past month and has had some mild muscle cramping in his legs. Aside from COPD, the patient also has hypertension and was recently diagnosed with gout. He quit smoking 3 years ago, and he had a 25-pack-year history prior to cessation. His current medications include colchicine, lisinopril, and baby aspirin. The vital signs include: blood pressure 92/58mm Hg, pulse 105/min, respiratory rate 12/min, temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), and oxygen saturation 95% on room air. There are crackles in the right lung base on auscultation. A chest radiograph reveals a poorly-circumscribed 2 cm nodule in the right lower lobe. Which of the following is the best next step in this patient’s management?
assistant
Secure airway and maintain adequate oxygen saturation