Pulmonary history and exam

Question 1

the etiology of dyspnea may be related to what three factors?

Answer 1

1. high level of ventilation perceived centrally
2. length-tension dissociation of respiratory muscles
3. modified by attention, experience, emotional state, personality traits

Question 2

what is the most useful clinical indicator for dyspnea?

Answer 2

assessing level of activity / baseline

Question 3

where is the obstruction typically located in inspiratory wheezing / stridor?

Answer 3

upper airway

Question 4

where is the obstruction typically located in exhalation wheezing?

Answer 4

intrathoracic airway

Question 5

what is the duration of acute cough? subacute? chronic?

Answer 5

acute: less than 3 weeks
subacute: 3-8 weeks
chronic: over 8 weeks

Question 6

what is most common etiology of acute cough?

Answer 6

viral

Question 7

what is most common etiology of chronic nonproductive cough?

Answer 7

postnasal drainage syndrome
asthma
GERD

Question 8

what does hyper resonance indicate upon chest percussion?

Answer 8

increased air in the thorax either from air trapping or pneumothorax

Question 9

what does dullness indicate upon chest percussion?

Answer 9

increased density with effusion, mass, or consolidation

Question 10

definition: rhonchi

what is the cause?

Answer 10

lower pitched continuous sounds heard with inspiration or exhalation often due to thick secretions narrowing the airway lumen

Question 11

definition: crackles / rales

what is the cause?

Answer 11

discontinuous sounds present most often with inhalation but can be heard with exhalation

explosive opening of small airways as surface tension is overcome