A subject who has severe dyspnea on exertion performs a maximal exercise test with arterial line and exhaled gas analysis.The following data are obtained: Which of the following diagnoses best fits these findings?
A) Coronary artery disease
B) Pulmonary hypertension
C) Restrictive lung disease
D) Poor subject effort

Question

A subject who has severe dyspnea on exertion performs a maximal exercise test with arterial line and exhaled gas analysis.The following data are obtained:  Which of the following diagnoses best fits these findings?
A) Coronary artery disease 
B) Pulmonary hypertension 
C) Restrictive lung disease 
D) Poor subject effort

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of severe dyspnea on exertion, arterial line, and exhaled gas analysis suggests pulmonary hypertension, which is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and decreased exercise capacity. Coronary artery disease may also result in dyspnea on exertion, but this would typically be associated with ischemic changes on electrocardiogram or stress echocardiography. Restrictive lung disease would not necessarily result in dyspnea on exertion, and poor subject effort would not explain the objective physiological findings.

A Subject Who Has Severe Dyspnea on Exertion Performs a Maximal