Sam, age 78, presents to the clinic with respiratory symptoms.His pulmonary function tests are as follows: a normal total lung capacity, a decreased PaO₂, and an increased PaCO₂.On assessment, you auscultate coarse crackles and forced expiratory wheezes.What is your diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decreased PaO2 and increased PaCO2 indicate respiratory acidosis, which is a common finding in chronic bronchitis. The presence of coarse crackles and forced expiratory wheezes also support this diagnosis. Asthma typically presents with wheezing, but not coarse crackles. Emphysema would typically show decreased lung capacity, but not respiratory acidosis. Influenza would not typically cause these pulmonary function test abnormalities.

Sam, Age 78, Presents to the Clinic with Respiratory Symptoms