Question

Your adult patient presents with shortness of breath and chest pain. She reports the pain began last night and has worsened. She is breathing 28 times per minute with a SpO2 of 96 percent on room air. She reports the pain worsens when asked to take a deep breath. Lung sounds are equal with a grating sound heard on inhalation. The patient's heart rate and blood pressure are normal. She is showing a sinus rhythm with a first-degree atrioventricular block present in lead II on the ECG.

Which of the following is most likely the cause of her complaints?

A. Pleurisy

B. Asthma

C. Acute myocardial infarction

D. Bronchitis

Answer 1

The most likely cause of the patient's symptoms is pleurisy, which is inflammation of the pleura. Pleurisy can cause chest pain and a grating sound on inhalation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely cause of the patient's symptoms is pleurisy. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. The grating sound heard on inhalation is called a pleural rub, which is a classic sign of pleurisy.