Final answer:
Possible causes of cough and shortness of breath in a patient with lung cancer or neoplasm include infection, obstruction of airways, pleural effusion, and metastasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cough and shortness of breath in a patient with lung cancer or neoplasm can be caused by various factors:
- Infection: Infections such as pneumonia can lead to coughing and breathing difficulties.
- Obstruction of airways: Lung tumors can block the airways and cause coughing and shortness of breath.
- Pleural effusion: This is the buildup of fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall, which can compress the lung and cause breathing problems.
- Metastasis: If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can affect the function of organs, including the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms.