Short Case Study Questions
A 73-year-old retired administrative assistant has had recurrent episodes of pneumonia with weight loss for the past 5 months. Her past medical history includes high cholesterol and diabetes. Currently, she is admitted to the hospital because of complications arising from a recent stroke.
-On evaluation the patient is found to have chronic aspiration of food into her lungs. What may have caused the patient's diagnosis to be delayed?

Question

Short Case Study Questions  
A 73-year-old retired administrative assistant has had recurrent episodes of pneumonia with weight loss for the past 5 months. Her past medical history includes high cholesterol and diabetes. Currently, she is admitted to the hospital because of complications arising from a recent stroke.
-On evaluation the patient is found to have chronic aspiration of food into her lungs. What may have caused the patient's diagnosis to be delayed?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's chronic aspiration of food into her lungs may have been caused by an abnormal cough reflex, which could have delayed her diagnosis as it could be mistaken for a respiratory infection or pneumonia. Additionally, her other symptoms such as weight loss and recurrent pneumonia could have been attributed to her underlying high cholesterol and diabetes, which may have masked the true cause of her illness.