A 45-year-old man with AIDS comes to the community health center because of a 1-week history of fever, chills, sweating, mild shortness of breath, and nonproductive cough. Medical history is also remarkable for pneumonia 3 years ago that required hospitalization. Today, he says that he lost his job 6 months ago, is now homeless, and cannot afford to buy his antiretroviral medications. Vital signs are temperature 38.6°C (101.5°F), pulse 82/min, respirations 20/min, and blood pressure 116/72 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 97%. The health center is very busy with several patients waiting to be evaluated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step? (A) Arrange a direct admission to the hospital for this patient (B) Continue with obtaining a thorough history and examining this patient (C) Place masks on the patient and yourself and then continue to evaluate him (D) Send this patient for chest x-rays, and while they are being obtained examine the next patient
