QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualisation of the airways and collection of samples. It is often used to evaluate airway abnormalities, retrieve specimens for culture or biopsy, and assess for conditions like lung cancer.
10028183
c
Bronchoscopy
QuestionChoice
An ABG is not typically the initial diagnostic test for pulmonary fibrosis.
10028184
d
ABG
QuestionChoice
Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool for assessing heart function and structural abnormalities.
10028185
e
Echocardiography
QuestionChoice
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including spirometry and lung volumes, are valuable tools for assessing lung function and identifying restrictive lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. This patient's symptoms and radiological findings suggest the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. PFTs can help confirm the diagnosis by revealing restrictive lung patterns with decreased lung volumes and impaired gas exchange.
10028181
a
Pulmonary function tests
QuestionChoice
Sputum culture is typically used to identify respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. The symptoms and radiological findings here are more indicative of a chronic, non-infectious condition like pulmonary fibrosis.
10028182
b
Sputum culture
Concept
Chapter
2693
3693
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Topic
132
Respiratory
18034
A 50-year-old man presents with a 7-month history of a persistent dry cough and exertional dyspnoea. He has no chest pain, fever, or haemoptysis. He is a non-smoker. He has had occupational exposure to asbestos.

On lung auscultation, there are fine inspiratory crackles.

High-resolution CT shows a honeycomb pattern in the lungs.

What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test for confirming the diagnosis in this patient?
a