Which long-term resident is most likely to be exhibiting the signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A 79 year old lifetime smoker who is complaining of shortness of breath and pain on deep inspiration
An 88 year old female who experiences acute shortness of breath and airway constriction when exposed to tobacco smoke
An 81 year old smoker who has increased exercise intolerance, a fever and increased white blood cells
An 81 year old male who has a productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections
The Correct Answer is A
A. A 79-year-old lifetime smoker who is complaining of shortness of breath and pain on deep inspiration: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is most commonly seen in individuals with a significant smoking history. Progressive shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of COPD, resulting from chronic airway inflammation and airflow limitation. While pain on deep inspiration is not a classic COPD symptom, it could indicate pleuritic involvement or hyperinflation-related chest discomfort.
B. An 88-year-old female who experiences acute shortness of breath and airway constriction when exposed to tobacco smoke: Acute shortness of breath and airway constriction in response to tobacco smoke suggests an asthma-like reaction rather than COPD. COPD symptoms tend to be persistent and progressive rather than episodic.
C. An 81-year-old smoker who has increased exercise intolerance, a fever, and increased white blood cells: Fever and increased white blood cells indicate an acute infection rather than chronic lung disease. While COPD exacerbations can cause worsening symptoms, an isolated fever and elevated white blood cells suggest pneumonia or another infectious process rather than COPD alone.
D. An 81-year-old male who has a productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections: A productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections are common in chronic bronchitis, a component of COPD. However, this presentation alone is not specific to COPD, as other conditions, such as bronchiectasis, can also cause these symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically presents with swelling, pain, and tenderness in a specific area of the leg. It does not specifically cause pain that resolves with rest after walking, making it less likely in Mr. Jones's case.
B. Valvular regurgitation: Valvular regurgitation refers to the backward flow of blood due to improper closure of heart valves. This condition primarily affects cardiac function and is not associated with pain in the legs that resolves with rest, which does not correlate with Mr. Jones's symptoms.
C. Varicose veins: Varicose veins can cause discomfort, swelling, and aching in the legs but are not typically characterized by pain that is specifically triggered by walking and resolves with rest. The symptoms of varicose veins usually occur with prolonged standing or sitting rather than exertion.
D. Intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, that resolves with rest. Mr. Jones's description of pain that occurs while walking and subsides upon stopping aligns with this condition, making it the most appropriate explanation for his symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A woman presenting with malaise, lethargy, and copious nasal secretions: These symptoms are more indicative of a common cold or viral upper respiratory infection. While nasal secretions can occur in rhinosinusitis, the absence of facial pain or pressure suggests a cold rather than sinus involvement.
B. A man with a dry, stuffy nasopharynx, a sore throat, and temperature of 98.9°F: This presentation is typical of a common cold or upper respiratory infection. The symptoms of a dry, stuffy nasopharynx and sore throat are not specifically indicative of rhinosinusitis, which usually involves more pronounced nasal and facial symptoms.
C. A man complaining of general fatigue, a headache, and facial pain with a temperature of 100.9°F: This combination of symptoms strongly suggests rhinosinusitis. The presence of facial pain, headache, and fever indicates inflammation and infection of the sinuses, which is characteristic of rhinosinusitis rather than a common cold.
D. A woman complaining of generalized aches and who has a hoarse voice and reddened, painful upper airways: These symptoms align more closely with a viral upper respiratory infection or laryngitis. The absence of specific sinus-related symptoms such as facial pain or nasal obstruction makes rhinosinusitis less likely in this case.
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