Deck 17: Lung Abscess

Question 1

Following a cerebrovascular accident, a patient lying in the supine position aspirated gastric contents. In what area(s) of the lungs would a lung abscess be most likely to develop?
1) Posterior segments of the upper lobes
2) Apical segments of the upper lobes
3) Superior segments of the lower lobes
4) Anterior segments of both lower lobes

A) 1
B) 1, 3
C) 1, 4
D) 1, 2, 3

Answer 1

1, 3

Question 2

During the early stages of a lung abscess, the pathologic process is identical to that of:

A) pulmonary edema.
B) bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
C) acute pneumonia.
D) pulmonary fibrosis.

Answer 2

acute pneumonia.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions can result in a lung abscess?
1) Penetrating chest wound
2) Septic embolism
3) Aspirated foreign body
4) Bronchogenic cyst

A) 1, 2
B) 3, 4
C) 1, 2, 4
D) 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer 3

1, 2, 3, 4

Question 4

What is the recommended treatment for a lung abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

A) Neomycin
B) Linezolid
C) Penicillin
D) Clindamycin

Question 5

What is the term for the fibrinous membrane that surrounds a lung abscess?

A) Serous membrane
B) Sclerotic membrane
C) Alveolar membrane
D) Pyogenic membrane

Question 6

In the early stages of a lung abscess, a patient would most likely have a:

A) nonproductive, hacking cough.
B) productive cough with foul-smelling, grey sputum.
C) productive cough with hemoptysis.
D) productive cough with copious white sputum.

Question 7

A patient with an abscess has produced a large volume of brown-colored, putrid sputum. What type of microorganism would most likely result in brown, putrid sputum production?

A) Fungi
B) Viruses
C) Aerobic bacteria
D) Anaerobic bacteria

Question 8

The respiratory therapist heard a pleural friction rub while performing a chest assessment on a patient with a lung abscess. What does this likely indicate?

A) The lungs are hyperinflated.
B) Hemoptysis has developed.
C) The abscess is located near the pleural surface.
D) A pneumothorax has developed.

Question 9

Which of the following can occur when tissue necrosis occurs in a lung abscess?
1) Fluid can rupture into a bronchus.
2) Broncholithiasis can occur.
3) Bronchospasm can close off the affected bronchi.
4) Fluid can rupture into the intrapleural space.

A) 1, 2
B) 1, 4
C) 3, 4
D) 1, 2, 3

Question 10

Which of the following are predisposing factors to aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and/or gastric contents into the lower respiratory tract?
1) General anesthesia
2) Head trauma
3) Seizure disorder
4) Alcohol abuse

A) 1, 2
B) 1, 3, 4
C) 1, 2, 3
D) 1, 2, 3, 4

Question 11

An unconscious patient aspirated gastric contents. Which of the following anaerobic microorganisms would likely now be found in her lower respiratory tract?
1) Legionella pneumophila
2) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3) Peptococci
4) Bacteroides fragilis

A) 1, 3
B) 3, 4
C) 1, 3, 4
D) 1, 2, 3, 4

Question 12

What is the standard treatment for a lung abscess caused by an anaerobic pathogen?

A) Clindamycin
B) Linezolid
C) Neomycin
D) Omalizumab

Question 13

All of the following are parasites associated with lung abscesses EXCEPT:

A) Paragonimus westermani.
B) Echinococcus.
C) Streptococcus pyogenes.
D) Entamoeba histolytica.