Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Pulmonary rehabilitation. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 1: A 60-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of shortness of breath that worsens on exertion. She also complains of chronic cough that has lasted for 10 years. Her symptoms are worsened even with light activities like climbing up a flight of stairs. She denies any weight loss, lightheadedness, or fever. Her medical history is significant for hypertension, for which she takes amlodipine daily. She has a 70-pack-year history of cigarette smoking and drinks 3–4 alcoholic beverages per week. Her blood pressure today is 128/84 mm Hg. A chest X-ray shows flattening of the diaphragm bilaterally. Physical examination is notable for coarse wheezing bilaterally. Which of the following is likely to be seen with pulmonary function testing?
- A. Decreased FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
- B. Normal FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
- C. Increased FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
- D. Decreased FEV1: FVC and increased total lung capacity (Correct Answer)
- E. Increased FEV1: FVC and normal total lung capacity
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Decreased FEV1:FVC ratio and increased total lung capacity***
- This patient's symptoms (shortness of breath on exertion, chronic cough, 70-pack-year smoking history, coarse wheezing, and diaphragmatic flattening on X-ray) are highly suggestive of **Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)**, specifically **emphysema**, an obstructive lung disease.
- In COPD, there is airflow limitation, causing a **decreased FEV1:FVC ratio** (typically <0.70). Over time, air trapping occurs due to damaged alveoli and loss of elastic recoil, leading to an **increased total lung capacity (TLC)** and residual volume.
*Decreased FEV1:FVC ratio and decreased total lung capacity*
- A **decreased FEV1:FVC ratio** indicates an **obstructive lung disease**.
- However, a **decreased total lung capacity (TLC)** is characteristic of a **restrictive lung disease**, which does not align with the patient's presentation typical of COPD/emphysema.
*Normal FEV1:FVC ratio and decreased total lung capacity*
- A **normal FEV1:FVC ratio** is inconsistent with the patient's strong history of smoking and symptoms suggestive of airflow obstruction.
- A **decreased total lung capacity (TLC)** indicates a restrictive lung disease, which is not the primary diagnosis here.
*Increased FEV1:FVC ratio and decreased total lung capacity*
- An **increased FEV1:FVC ratio** is not physiologically possible in significant lung disease and is therefore incorrect.
- A **decreased total lung capacity (TLC)** would point towards a restrictive pattern not seen in generalized emphysema.
*Increased FEV1:FVC ratio and normal total lung capacity*
- An **increased FEV1:FVC ratio** is not a characteristic finding in any lung disease and is therefore incorrect.
- A **normal total lung capacity** would not be expected in advanced emphysema where air trapping is prominent.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 2: Which of the following physiologic changes decreases pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)?
- A. Inhaling the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
- B. Exhaling the entire vital capacity (VC)
- C. Exhaling the expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
- D. Breath holding maneuver at functional residual capacity (FRC)
- E. Inhaling the entire vital capacity (VC) (Correct Answer)
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Inhaling the entire vital capacity (VC)***
- As lung volume increases from FRC to TLC (which includes inhaling the entire VC), alveolar vessels are **stretched open**, and extra-alveolar vessels are **pulled open** by the increased radial traction, leading to a decrease in PVR.
- This **maximizes the cross-sectional area** of the pulmonary vascular bed, lowering resistance.
*Inhaling the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)*
- While inhaling IRV increases lung volume, it's not the maximal inspiration of the entire VC where **PVR is typically at its lowest**.
- PVR continues to decrease as lung volume approaches total lung capacity (TLC).
*Exhaling the entire vital capacity (VC)*
- Exhaling the entire vital capacity leads to very low lung volumes, where PVR significantly **increases**.
- At low lung volumes, **alveolar vessels become compressed** and extra-alveolar vessels **narrow**, increasing resistance.
*Exhaling the expiratory reserve volume (ERV)*
- Exhaling the ERV results in a lung volume below FRC, which causes a **marked increase in PVR**.
- This is due to the **compression of alveolar vessels** and decreased radial traction on extra-alveolar vessels.
*Breath holding maneuver at functional residual capacity (FRC)*
- At FRC, the PVR is at an **intermediate level**, not its lowest.
- This is the point where the opposing forces affecting alveolar and extra-alveolar vessels are somewhat balanced, but not optimized for minimal resistance.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 3: A 57-year-old man presents to the clinic for a chronic cough over the past 4 months. The patient reports a productive yellow/green cough that is worse at night. He denies any significant precipitating event prior to his symptoms. He denies fever, chest pain, palpitations, weight changes, or abdominal pain, but endorses some difficulty breathing that waxes and wanes. He denies alcohol usage but endorses a 35 pack-year smoking history. A physical examination demonstrates mild wheezes, bibasilar crackles, and mild clubbing of his fingertips. A pulmonary function test is subsequently ordered, and partial results are shown below:
Tidal volume: 500 mL
Residual volume: 1700 mL
Expiratory reserve volume: 1500 mL
Inspiratory reserve volume: 3000 mL
What is the functional residual capacity of this patient?
- A. 4500 mL
- B. 2000 mL
- C. 2200 mL
- D. 3200 mL (Correct Answer)
- E. 3500 mL
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***3200 mL***
- The **functional residual capacity (FRC)** is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration.
- It is calculated as the sum of the **expiratory reserve volume (ERV)** and the **residual volume (RV)**. In this case, 1500 mL (ERV) + 1700 mL (RV) = 3200 mL.
*4500 mL*
- This value represents the sum of the **inspiratory reserve volume (3000 mL)** and the **residual volume (1700 mL)**, which does not correspond to a standard lung volume or capacity.
- It does not logically relate to the definition of functional residual capacity.
*2000 mL*
- This value represents the sum of the **tidal volume (500 mL)** and the **expiratory reserve volume (1500 mL)**, which is incorrect for FRC.
- This would represent the inspiratory capacity minus the inspiratory reserve volume, which is not a standard measurement used in pulmonary function testing.
*2200 mL*
- This value could be obtained by incorrectly adding the **tidal volume (500 mL)** and the **residual volume (1700 mL)**, which is not the correct formula for FRC.
- This calculation represents a miscombination of lung volumes that does not correspond to any standard pulmonary capacity measurement.
*3500 mL*
- This value is the sum of the **tidal volume (500 mL)**, the **expiratory reserve volume (1500 mL)**, and the **residual volume (1700 mL)**.
- This would represent the FRC plus the tidal volume, which is not a standard measurement and does not represent the functional residual capacity.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 4: A 53-year-old woman presents to a physician with a cough which she has had for the last 5 years. She mentions that her cough is worse in the morning and is associated with significant expectoration. There is no history of weight loss or constitutional symptoms like fever and malaise. Her past medical records show that she required hospitalization for breathing difficulty on 6 different occasions in the last 3 years. She also mentions that she was never completely free of her respiratory problems during the period between the exacerbations and that she has a cough with sputum most of the months for the last 3 years. She works in a cotton mill and is a non-smoker. Her mother and her maternal grandmother had asthma. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), the pulse is 92/min, the blood pressure is 130/86 mm Hg, and her respiratory rate is 22/min. General examination shows obesity and mild cyanosis. Auscultation of her chest reveals bilateral coarse rhonchi. Her lung volumes on pulmonary function test are given below:
Pre-bronchodilator Post-bronchodilator
FEV1 58% 63%
FVC 90% 92%
FEV1/FVC 0.62 0.63
TLC 98% 98%
The results are valid and repeatable as per standard criteria. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Chronic bronchitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Asthma
- D. Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
- E. Emphysema
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Chronic bronchitis***
- The patient presents with a chronic cough and sputum production for at least 3 months a year for 2 consecutive years, consistent with the definition of **chronic bronchitis**.
- **Obstructive pattern** on PFT (FEV1/FVC < 0.70) with minimal reversibility, along with a history of recurrent exacerbations, supports this diagnosis.
*Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis*
- Characterized by a **restrictive ventilatory defect** (reduced TLC) and often presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough, which contradicts the patient's PFTs and productive cough.
- Would show **pulmonary fibrosis** on imaging, not suggested by the patient's presentation.
*Asthma*
- Typically presents with **reversible airway obstruction** (significant improvement in FEV1 post-bronchodilator), which is not seen here (only 5% improvement).
- Although the patient's mother and grandmother had asthma, her symptoms and PFTs do not align with active asthma exacerbations.
*Extrinsic allergic alveolitis*
- Usually involves **exposure to inhaled allergens** leading to inflammation of the alveoli, presenting with restrictive lung disease and often acute or subacute symptoms.
- The patient's occupational exposure to cotton mill might suggest **byssinosis**, a type of occupational lung disease, but her PFTs and prolonged chronic cough are more consistent with bronchitis.
*Emphysema*
- Primarily defined by **destruction of alveolar walls** leading to air trapping and severe airflow obstruction, often associated with a history of smoking.
- While it causes an obstructive pattern, the prominent chronic productive cough and minimal reversibility point more towards the airway inflammation of bronchitis rather than the parenchymal destruction of emphysema.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 5: A 67-year-old man comes to the physician for a follow-up examination. He feels well. His last visit to a physician was 3 years ago. He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Current medications include albuterol, atenolol, lisinopril, and aspirin. He has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 18 years but stopped 20 years ago. He had a right lower extremity venous clot 15 years ago that required 3 months of anticoagulation therapy. A colonoscopy performed 3 years ago demonstrated 2 small, flat polyps that were resected. He is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighs 100 kg (220 lb); BMI is 32.5 kg/m2. His pulse is 85/min, respirations are 14/min, and blood pressure is 150/80 mm Hg. Examination shows normal heart sounds and no carotid or femoral bruits. Scattered minimal expiratory wheezing and rhonchi are heard throughout both lung fields. Which of the following health maintenance recommendations is most appropriate at this time?
- A. Bone densitometry scan
- B. Abdominal ultrasonography (Correct Answer)
- C. CT scan of the chest
- D. Pulmonary function testing
- E. Lower extremity ultrasonography
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Abdominal ultrasonography***
- This patient has a **history of smoking, obesity, hypertension, and coronary artery disease**, all of which are significant risk factors for **abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)**.
- Current **USPSTF guidelines** recommend a **one-time screening abdominal ultrasound** for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked to detect AAA.
- This patient is 67 years old with an 18 pack-year smoking history (quit 20 years ago), making him eligible for this Grade B recommendation.
*Bone densitometry scan*
- **Osteoporosis screening** with bone densitometry is recommended for women aged 65 and older, but for men, it is typically recommended only if they have specific risk factors like chronic steroid use or hypogonadism, which are not present here.
- While his COPD might contribute to some bone loss risk, it's not the most immediate or strongly indicated screening compared to AAA.
*CT scan of the chest*
- Although the patient has a smoking history, a **CT scan of the chest** for lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals aged 50-80 with a **20 pack-year smoking history** who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
- This patient has only **18 pack-years** and quit smoking **20 years ago**, placing him outside the criteria for lung cancer screening.
*Pulmonary function testing*
- The patient has a known diagnosis of **COPD** and is already on appropriate medication (albuterol).
- While monitoring **pulmonary function** is important for COPD management, routine PFTs are not indicated at every follow-up unless there is a change in symptoms or treatment, and it is not a primary preventive screening recommendation.
*Lower extremity ultrasonography*
- The patient had a **deep venous thrombosis (DVT)** 15 years ago, which was fully treated with 3 months of anticoagulation.
- There are **no current symptoms of DVT** (e.g., leg pain, swelling, erythema), so a lower extremity ultrasound is not warranted as routine screening in the absence of new symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 6: A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath. He was at home cleaning his yard when his symptoms began. The patient is a farmer and does not have regular medical care. He has smoked two packs of cigarettes every day for the past 40 years. The patient lives alone and admits to feeling lonely at times. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 159/95 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 19/min, and oxygen saturation is 86% on room air. On physical exam, you note a man in distress. Pulmonary exam reveals poor air movement, wheezing, and bibasilar crackles. Cardiac exam is notable for an S4 heart sound. The patient is started on appropriate therapy and his symptoms improve. Prior to discharge he is no longer distressed when breathing and his oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. Which of the following interventions could improve mortality the most in this patient?
- A. Varenicline (Correct Answer)
- B. Albuterol
- C. Ipratropium
- D. Home oxygen
- E. Magnesium
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Varenicline***
- This patient presents with symptoms highly suggestive of an **acute exacerbation of COPD** (shortness of breath, poor air movement, wheezing, significant smoking history). **Smoking cessation** is the single most effective intervention to improve mortality in patients with COPD, and varenicline is a highly effective medication for this purpose.
- While other interventions manage acute symptoms, quitting smoking addresses the underlying progressive lung damage and **reduces the risk of future exacerbations and overall mortality**.
*Albuterol*
- **Albuterol** is a **short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)** used as a rescue inhaler to provide rapid bronchodilation during an acute exacerbation of COPD.
- While essential for **symptomatic relief** and managing acute episodes, it does not impact the long-term progression of COPD or overall mortality.
*Ipratropium*
- **Ipratropium** is a **short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA)** that also causes bronchodilation and is used in the acute management of COPD exacerbations, often in combination with SABAs.
- Like albuterol, it provides **symptomatic relief** but does not alter the disease course or improve long-term mortality.
*Home oxygen*
- **Home oxygen therapy** is indicated for patients with severe, chronic hypoxemia (PaO2 < 55 mmHg or SaO2 < 88%) on room air to improve quality of life and decrease mortality.
- While beneficial for select patients with **chronic hypoxemia**, it is not a primary intervention for acute exacerbations or a more impactful mortality-reducing strategy than smoking cessation for a patient who continues to smoke.
*Magnesium*
- **Intravenous magnesium sulfate** can be considered in severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbations or acute COPD exacerbations that are unresponsive to standard bronchodilator therapy.
- It works by inducing **bronchial smooth muscle relaxation** but is a therapy for acute rather than chronic management or mortality improvement.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 7: A 28-year-old male presents to his primary care physician with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. His medical chart is not significant for any past medical problems or prior surgeries. He is not prescribed any current medications. Which of the following questions would be the most useful next question in eliciting further history from this patient?
- A. "Does the diarrhea typically precede the constipation, or vice-versa?"
- B. "Is the diarrhea foul-smelling?"
- C. "Please rate your abdominal pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain of your life"
- D. "Are the symptoms worse in the morning or at night?"
- E. "Can you tell me more about the symptoms you have been experiencing?" (Correct Answer)
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Can you tell me more about the symptoms you have been experiencing?***
- This **open-ended question** encourages the patient to provide a **comprehensive narrative** of their symptoms, including details about onset, frequency, duration, alleviating/aggravating factors, and associated symptoms, which is crucial for diagnosis.
- In a patient presenting with vague, intermittent symptoms like alternating constipation and diarrhea, allowing them to elaborate freely can reveal important clues that might not be captured by more targeted questions.
*Does the diarrhea typically precede the constipation, or vice-versa?*
- While knowing the sequence of symptoms can be helpful in understanding the **pattern of bowel dysfunction**, it is a very specific question that might overlook other important aspects of the patient's experience.
- It prematurely narrows the focus without first obtaining a broad understanding of the patient's overall symptomatic picture.
*Is the diarrhea foul-smelling?*
- Foul-smelling diarrhea can indicate **malabsorption** or **bacterial overgrowth**, which are important to consider in some gastrointestinal conditions.
- However, this is a **specific symptom inquiry** that should follow a more general exploration of the patient's symptoms, as it may not be relevant if other crucial details are missed.
*Please rate your abdominal pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain of your life*
- Quantifying pain intensity is useful for assessing the **severity of discomfort** and monitoring changes over time.
- However, for a patient with intermittent rather than acute, severe pain, understanding the **character, location, and triggers** of the pain is often more diagnostically valuable than just a numerical rating initially.
*Are the symptoms worse in the morning or at night?*
- Diurnal variation can be relevant in certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases where nocturnal symptoms might be more concerning, or functional disorders whose symptoms might be stress-related.
- This is another **specific question** that should come after gathering a more complete initial picture of the patient's symptoms to ensure no key information is overlooked.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 8: A 35-year-old female comes to the physician because of a 2-year history of progressive fatigue and joint pain. She has a 1-year history of skin problems and a 4-month history of episodic pallor of her fingers. She reports that the skin of her face, neck, and hands is always dry and itchy; there are also numerous “red spots” on her face. She has become more “clumsy” and often drops objects. She has gastroesophageal reflux disease treated with lansoprazole. She does not smoke. She occasionally drinks a beer or a glass of wine. Her temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), blood pressure is 154/98 mm Hg, and pulse is 75/min. Examination shows hardening and thickening of the skin of face, neck, and hands. There are small dilated blood vessels around her mouth and on her oral mucosa. Mouth opening is reduced. Active and passive range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints is limited. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. Her creatinine is 1.4 mg/dL. The patient is at increased risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Digital ulcers (Correct Answer)
- B. Scleroderma renal crisis
- C. Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- D. Gastrointestinal dysmotility
- E. Interstitial lung disease
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Digital ulcers***
- The patient exhibits several features of **systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)**, including **active Raynaud phenomenon** (**episodic pallor of fingers**), skin thickening, and telangiectasias (**red spots**). **Digital ulcers are the most immediate complication** given the active vascular symptoms.
- Raynaud phenomenon causes repeated ischemia-reperfusion injury to the digits, and **up to 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud develop digital ulcers**, making this the highest near-term risk among the options.
- The patient's **reduced mouth opening** and **limited range of motion in interphalangeal joints** are consistent with skin changes and joint involvement in scleroderma, further supporting the diagnosis and vascular complications.
*Scleroderma renal crisis*
- While **hypertension** is present (154/98 mm Hg) and **creatinine is elevated** (1.4 mg/dL), these findings are relatively mild and do not meet criteria for **scleroderma renal crisis**, which typically presents with **acute malignant hypertension** (>180/100 mmHg), rapidly progressive renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Renal crisis tends to occur earlier in the disease course (within first 4-5 years) and is more common with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma and recent corticosteroid use. This patient's presentation suggests limited cutaneous involvement (face, neck, hands - consistent with CREST/limited variant).
*Pulmonary arterial hypertension*
- **Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)** is a serious late complication of systemic sclerosis, particularly in limited cutaneous disease, but there are **no current signs or symptoms** on cardiopulmonary examination.
- While this remains a long-term risk requiring screening, it is not the most immediate complication. PAH typically develops years after disease onset and would present with dyspnea, fatigue, and signs of right heart dysfunction.
*Gastrointestinal dysmotility*
- The patient **already has** **gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**, which is a manifestation of gastrointestinal dysmotility in systemic sclerosis due to esophageal smooth muscle involvement.
- Since the patient already has this complication (not "at risk for" a future complication), this is not the best answer. Further GI complications could occur, but digital ulcers represent a more immediate risk.
*Interstitial lung disease*
- **Interstitial lung disease (ILD)** is a common and severe complication of systemic sclerosis, particularly in the diffuse cutaneous form, and is a leading cause of mortality.
- However, the patient's **cardiopulmonary examination is noted as normal**, which does not suggest active or clinically apparent ILD at this time. While this remains a long-term risk requiring monitoring (with pulmonary function tests and HRCT), it is not the most immediate complication given the active Raynaud phenomenon.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 9: A 40-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-year history of gradually worsening shortness of breath. He smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily for 10 years but stopped 8 years ago. His pulse is 72/min, blood pressure is 135/75 mm Hg, and respirations are 20/min. Examination shows an increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Diminished breath sounds are heard on auscultation of the chest. An x-ray of the chest shows widened intercostal spaces, a flattened diaphragm, and bilateral hyperlucency of the lung bases. This patient's condition puts him at greatest risk for which of the following conditions?
- A. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis
- B. Bronchiolitis obliterans
- C. IgA nephropathy
- D. Bronchogenic carcinoma (Correct Answer)
- E. Hepatocellular carcinoma
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Bronchogenic carcinoma***
- The patient's presentation with **shortness of breath**, history of **smoking**, and chest X-ray findings (increased AP diameter, flattened diaphragm, hyperlucency) are highly suggestive of **emphysema**, a strong risk factor for bronchogenic carcinoma.
- While he stopped smoking 8 years ago, his past smoking history significantly increases his lifetime risk for lung cancer, and emphysema itself is an independent risk factor for malignancies.
*Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis*
- This condition involves systemic inflammation of blood vessels, often affecting the **lungs and kidneys**, but there are no clinical or radiological findings suggestive of vasculitis here.
- There is no mention of symptoms like **hematuria**, **rash**, or other systemic inflammatory signs that would point towards ANCA-positive vasculitis.
*Bronchiolitis obliterans*
- This is a rare, severe obstructive lung disease often caused by toxic inhalant exposure (e.g., **sulfur mustard**, **diacetyl**) or as a complication of **lung transplantation** or **rheumatoid arthritis**, none of which are indicated in this patient.
- While it can cause shortness of breath, the characteristic imaging findings in this patient (hyperlucency, flattened diaphragm) are more indicative of **emphysema**, not bronchiolitis obliterans.
*IgA nephropathy*
- This is a **primary glomerulonephritis** characterized by IgA deposits in the glomeruli, leading to **hematuria** and **proteinuria**, and is not related to the patient's respiratory symptoms or imaging findings.
- There is no clinical information provided that would suggest renal involvement.
*Hepatocellular carcinoma*
- This is a **primary liver cancer** typically associated with chronic liver diseases like **hepatitis B** or **C infections**, **cirrhosis**, or **alcohol abuse**, none of which are suggested in the patient's history.
- The patient's symptoms and diagnostic findings are entirely focused on the respiratory system, with no indication of liver disease.
Pulmonary rehabilitation US Medical PG Question 10: A 70-year-old man presents to a physician with a cough and difficulty breathing during the last 7 years. He has smoked since his teenage years and regularly inhales tiotropium, formoterol, and budesonide and takes oral theophylline. The number of exacerbations has been increasing over the last 6 months. His temperature is 37.2°C (99°F), the heart rate is 92/min, the blood pressure is 134/88 mm Hg and the respiratory rate is 26/min. On chest auscultation breath sounds are diffusely decreased and bilateral rhonchi are present. Pulse oximetry shows his resting oxygen saturation to be 88%. Chest radiogram shows a flattened diaphragm, hyperlucency of the lungs, and a long, narrow heart shadow. The physician explains this condition to the patient and emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation. In addition to this, which of the following is most likely to reduce the risk of mortality from the condition?
- A. Roflumilast
- B. Low-dose oral prednisone
- C. Pulmonary rehabilitation
- D. Supplemental oxygen (Correct Answer)
- E. Prophylactic azithromycin
Pulmonary rehabilitation Explanation: ***Supplemental oxygen***
- The patient's **resting oxygen saturation of 88%** indicates significant hypoxemia, which, if chronic, places a high burden on the cardiovascular system and is a strong predictor of premature mortality in **COPD**.
- **Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)** for at least 15 hours a day has been shown to improve survival in patients with severe chronic hypoxemia due to COPD.
*Roflumilast*
- **Roflumilast** is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor that reduces inflammation and is used to decrease exacerbations in severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of frequent exacerbations.
- While it can improve lung function and reduce exacerbations, it has not been shown to reduce mortality directly.
*Low-dose oral prednisone*
- **Oral corticosteroids** are primarily used for acute exacerbations of COPD, not for long-term maintenance due to significant systemic side effects like osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and increased infection risk.
- While they can temporarily reduce inflammation, chronic low-dose use is not recommended for mortality benefit and may cause harm in the long run.
*Pulmonary rehabilitation*
- **Pulmonary rehabilitation** is a comprehensive program that improves exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life in patients with COPD.
- It does not directly reduce mortality but significantly improves functional status and potentially reduces hospitalizations.
*Prophylactic azithromycin*
- **Prophylactic azithromycin** can reduce the frequency of exacerbations in select patients with severe COPD, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, as well as its bactericidal effect.
- Similar to roflumilast, it reduces exacerbations but has not been shown to reduce mortality directly in COPD patients.
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