A 56-Year-Old Man Comes to the Physician with Progressive Shortness

question 610

Multiple Choice

A 56-year-old man comes to the physician with progressive shortness of breath over the past 4 months.  He gets significantly short of breath after walking 2-3 blocks.  He does not use tobacco.
On examination, blood pressure is 144/90 mm Hg, heart rate is 84/min, respirations are 16/min, and pulse oximetry is 91% on room air.  Neck veins are flat in the sitting position.  The skin of the fingers and hands appears thickened with a few ulcerations at the fingertips.  Fine bibasilar crackles are heard on chest examination.  There is no peripheral edema.
Chest x-ray reveals bilateral interstitial markings, most prominent at the bases.
Which of the following is most likely to be seen on pulmonary function testing?
FEV₁ = Forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC = Forced vital capacity; DLCO = Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide

• A)A
• B)B
• C)C
• D)D

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Definitions:

Restoration Ecology

Restoration ecology is the scientific study and practice of renewing and restoring degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats in the environment in an informed and sustainable manner.

Damaged Ecosystem

An ecosystem that has been harmed or altered by environmental stresses, human activities, or natural disasters, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecological function.

Breeding Programs

Structured plans designed to manage the reproduction of organisms to achieve specific genetic and population goals.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind, and biomass.