A 58-year-old man with community-acquired pneumonia presents on day 5 of appropriate antibiotics with persistent fever, elevated CRP, and dyspnea. Bedside thoracic ultrasound reveals a left pleural effusion with internal echogenic **septations** (marked **B** in the diagram). Diagnostic thoracentesis shows pH 7.15, glucose 45 mg/dL, and LDH 1200 IU/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
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