Question

A short, nonsmoking 44-year-old male presents to the emergency room with left-sided chest pain and a cough. He states that the pain started abruptly and worsens with deep breathing and coughing. He denies recent injury. Assessment includes shallow respirations with a rate of 36, normal breath sounds, and no cyanosis. Which condition is most likely causing his symptoms?

A. Myocardial infarction
B. Spontaneous pneumothorax
C. Pleuritis related to infection
D. Obstructive atelectasis

Answer 1

The correct answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

An infection pleuritis that results in cough abruptly started pain and pain in the unilateral area and increase in coughing or deep breathing.

Cough is a sign of infection especially when he is a none smoker. The shallow breathing is to maintain adequate air intake and can be due to anxiety.

Myocardial is not worsened by breathing or coughing, and pneumothorax is can be ruled out in a 44 year old man.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.