Respiratory Investigations

Question 1

Initial investigations in dyspnoea

Answer 1

Chest X-ray

Spirometry

Question 2

All heart diseases have what respiratory symptom as a common early symptom?

Answer 2

Dyspnoea

Question 3

Increasing dyspnoea on exertion may be the earliest symptom of?

Answer 3

Incipient heart failure

Question 4

Drugs that can cause respiratory disirders (fibrosis)?

Answer 4

Amiodarone

Cytotoxic drugs, especially bleomycin

Question 5

Dyspnoea in lung cancer is caused by what factors?

Answer 5

Variety

Pleural effusion, lobar collapse, upper airway obstruction, lymphangitis carcinomatosis

Question 6

Abrupt onset of severe dyspnoea suggests…?

Answer 6

PE or oneumothorax

Question 7

If a patient develops a relapse of dyspnoea whilst on digoxin therapy, what causes should you consider?

Answer 7

Digoxin toxicity

Electrolyte abnormalities leading to HF

Question 8

Recurrent attacks of sudden dyspnoea, especially at night, are suggestive of…?

Answer 8

Asthma or LHF

Question 9

Causes of hyperventilation?

Answer 9

Drugs
Asthma
Thryotoxicosis
Panic attacks / anxiety