A patient with emphysema comes to the clinic and reports increased, productive cough. What diagnostic test should the healthcare professional facilitate as the priority?
A)Chest x-ray
B)Peak expiratory flow
C)Pulmonary function tests
D)Sputum culture

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cough in emphysema is generally not productive, unless the patient has an acute exacerbation, which can be caused by a pulmonary infection. The best way to diagnose an infection such as pneumonia is with a chest x-ray. A sputum culture would be helpful to specify the organism for tailored treatment, but is not required for the diagnosis. Pulmonary function studies might be ordered later to see if the patient's disease has progressed, but would not be ordered during an acute illness. Peak expiratory flow is usually used to monitor asthma. The professional should expedite a chest x-ray.

A Patient with Emphysema Comes to the Clinic and Reports