Question

A patient who complains of dyspnea is noted to have a dry, non-productive cough. On physical examination, breath sounds are diminished on the right, tactile fremitus is decreased and there is dullness to percussion over the right lower lobe. The respiratory therapist should suspect that the patient is suffering from?

1) pneumonia
2) pulmonary embolism
3) pleural effusion
4) broncHIOlitis

Answer 1

The physical examination findings suggest the patient likely has pleural effusion, which is characterized by symptoms such as a dry cough and decreased breath sounds due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient presenting with dyspnea, a dry, non-productive cough, diminished breath sounds, decreased tactile fremitus, and dullness to percussion over the right lower lobe on a physical examination should be suspected of having pleural effusion. Other conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or bronchiolitis may cause similar symptoms but the combination of diminished breath sounds and dullness to percussion particularly suggests fluid in the pleural space, characteristic of pleural effusion. Pneumonia often presents with a productive cough and crackles rather than a dry cough and decreased breath sounds, while pulmonary embolism may exhibit chest pain and rapid breathing. Bronchiolitis is more common in children and is characterized by wheezing and difficulty breathing due to inflammation of the small airways.