A 56-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for Dyspnea, Wheezing, and Cough

question 114

Multiple Choice

A 56-year-old man is evaluated for dyspnea, wheezing, and cough productive of yellow sputum.  The patient reports that he has been treated with antibiotics when the dyspnea is severe.  He has smoked 2 packs of cigarettes daily for the past 25 years.  The schematic diagram below is a representation of a bronchial wall.  Which of the following ratios is the best pathological index to determine the severity of this patient's disease?

• A)A / (A+B+C+
• B)A / (A+B+C+D+
• C)C / (B+C+
• D)C / (A+B+C+D+
• E)(B+C+
• D) / (A+B+C+D+

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Definitions:

Weak Pulse

An indication of low blood volume or pressure, characterized by a pulse that is difficult to feel or weaker than normal.

Fluid Excess

A condition where there is an abnormal increase in bodily fluid.

Ischemic Response

A physiological reaction to reduced blood supply to tissues, leading to a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism.

Vasomotor Center

A regulatory area in the medulla oblongata of the brain responsible for controlling blood vessel diameter and thus blood pressure.