Approach To A Patient With Respiratory Disease

Question 1

What history is to be taken in a respiratory ill patient

Answer 1

Age
Current symptoms
Duration and onset
First episode ever?
Frequency and timing
Severity and progression
Exacerbating / relieving factors
Other associated symptoms
Past medical history
Past surgical history
Drug history
Family history
Social history

Question 2

What is the equation for pack year

Answer 2

Packs per day * the number of years smoked

Question 3

Which class of drugs is notorious for causing coughs

Answer 3

ACE inhibitors

Question 4

What is trepopnoea

Answer 4

Difficulty in breathing when lying on one side

Question 5

What is the basic principle for all physical assessments

Answer 5

Inspection

Question 6

What angle should you position the patient

Answer 6

45 degrees or make them sit upright if they’re comfortable

Question 7

What should be inspected in a respiratory examination

Answer 7

Pedal edema
Wasting
Dyspnoea at rest, pursed lips breathing, distended
Symmetry

Question 8

What are the two anatomical divisions of the respiratory system

Answer 8

The upper respiratory tract
The lower respiratory tract