A disproportionate thickening of the interventricular septum is the hallmark of which form of cardiomyopathy?

A. We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space: An empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, typically due to infection or inflammation. The primary treatment often involves draining the infected fluid to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection, making this statement accurate and appropriate for the patient.

B. These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise: This statement is not applicable to empyema. Blebs are associated with conditions like pulmonary bullae or emphysema, not empyema. Empyema specifically refers to pus in the pleural space, not blebs in the lungs.

C. You will be given a long course of antiviral medication: Antiviral medication is not typically indicated for empyema, as it is often caused by bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage rather than antiviral therapy.

D. We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue: While monitoring for respiratory status is important in any patient with empyema, this statement does not specifically address the nature of empyema or its treatment. The focus should be on managing the infection and drainage of the pleural space.

A. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are not a primary treatment for asthma, as asthma is an inflammatory condition and not primarily caused by bacterial infections. Antibiotics may be used for coexisting infections but are not the most successful initial treatment for chronic asthma.

B. Administration of drugs that decrease airway inflammation: While decreasing airway inflammation is important in managing asthma, the most successful long-term treatment begins with addressing the underlying causes and triggers. Reducing inflammation is part of the treatment strategy but is not the first action.

C. Avoidance of the causative agent: Avoiding the causative agent or trigger of asthma is the most successful initial treatment. Identifying and eliminating exposure to allergens or irritants, such as pollen, smoke, or pet dander, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, making it the foundational step in asthma management.

D. Administration of drugs that reduce bronchospasm: Medications that reduce bronchospasm, such as bronchodilators, are essential for immediate relief of asthma symptoms. However, they do not address the underlying inflammation and triggers, making avoidance of causative agents the most successful initial treatment for chronic asthma.