Differential Diagnosis of the Pulmonary System

Question 1

Wheezing, chest tightness, SOB, cyanosis

Answer 1

Asthma

Question 2

Dyspnea, tachypnea, cyanosis, elevation of temp, drop in BP, substernal retractions, shock

Answer 2

Atelectasis

Question 3

Obstructive disease, difficulty clearing secretions; SOB, sputum with or without color, hemoptysis, crackles, wheezes, loud breath sounds

Answer 3

Bronchiectasis

Question 4

Expectorating cough, dyspnea, wheezing, chest pains, fever, fatigue

Answer 4

Bronchitis (acute/chronic)

Question 5

shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, barrel chest

Answer 5

COPD

Question 6

persistent cough/wheezing, sputum production, excessive appetite with poor weight gain, salty skin and sweat, bulky/foul smelling stools

Answer 6

Cystic Fibrosis

Question 7

Mostly shortness of breath, which begins gradually and worsens

Answer 7

Emphysema

Question 8

Fever, arthritis, enlarged lymph nodes, rash

Answer 8

Lofgren’s Syndrome

Question 9

Shoulder/arm pain along distribution of 8th cervical nerve trunk and 1st/2nd thoracic nerve trunks, weakness and atrophy of muscles of the hand, sensory loss/motor deficit in UE

Answer 9

Pancoast syndrome/tumor

Question 10

May be asymptomatic; dyspnea on exertion, chest discomfort, sharp/stabbing chest pains made worse by coughing/breathing

Answer 10

Pleural effusion

Question 11

Follows an upper respiratory infection, sudden/sharp chest pains, hacking/productive cough, headache, fatigue, fever/chills, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachypnea, rust/green colored purulent sputum. Look below to review the differences between the different types.

Answer 11

Pneumonia

Question 12

Dyspnea, sudden/sharp pleural chest pain, fall in BP, weak/rapid pulse, normal respiratory functions on the affected side cease, pain localized to affect side

Answer 12

Pneumothorax

Question 13

Restlessness, anxiety, persistent cough, diaphoresis, slight dyspnea, problems w/ exercise, increased respirations

Answer 13

Pulmonary Edema

Question 14

Dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, apprehension, persistent cough, hemoptysis, diaphoresis, tachypnea, fever

Answer 14

Pulmonary Embolism

Question 15

Difficulty with inspiration, SOB, dry cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, aching muscles & joints

Answer 15

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Question 16

Shortness of breath, fatigue, non-productive cough, angina, fainting, swelling of ankles and feet

Answer 16

Pulmonary Hypertension

Question 17

No symptoms, wheezing, coughing, SOB, fatigue, night sweats

Answer 17

Sarcoidosis

Question 18

fever, chills, night sweats, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, persistent cough (sometimes blood)

Answer 18

Tuberculosis