A 25-year-old woman arrives at the hospital complaining of worsening dyspnea. The patient was previously healthy; she gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 38 weeks gestation two months ago. Her arterial blood gas analysis reveals hypoventilation. She is asked to take several deep breaths during further evaluation, and the following physiologic information is obtained: Which of the following locations is the most likely site of this patient's disease?

Question

A 25-year-old woman arrives at the hospital complaining of worsening dyspnea. The patient was previously healthy; she gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 38 weeks gestation two months ago. Her arterial blood gas analysis reveals hypoventilation. She is asked to take several deep breaths during further evaluation, and the following physiologic information is obtained:  Which of the following locations is the most likely site of this patient's disease?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Progressively weakening diaphragmatic contractions with intact phrenic nerve stimulation during maximal voluntary ventilation indicate neuromuscular junction pathology (eg, myasthenia gravis) and/or abnormally rapid diaphragmatic muscle fatigue (eg, restrictive lung or chest wall disease).

A 25-Year-Old Woman Arrives at the Hospital Complaining of Worsening