A patient with a productive cough and a localized area of infiltrate or atelectasis on x-ray probably has

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A productive cough and a localized area of infiltrate or atelectasis on x-ray are suggestive of bacterial pneumonia, as opposed to viral pneumonia or tuberculosis, which may present with more diffuse infiltrates on x-ray. Acute respiratory distress syndrome typically presents with widespread infiltrates on x-ray and may not necessarily be associated with a productive cough.

A Patient with a Productive Cough and a Localized Area