Case Study Links

1. Introduction 2. Interview 3. Physical Examination 4. Lab Tests Contact Lynda
Biology 170: Human Pathophysiology -- Case Studies -- Instructor: Lynda C. Titterington

Jenny Schneider's Physical Exam Results

The physical examination reveals:

  1. A thin, Caucasian female who looks older than her chronological age. The patient demonstrates marked dyspnea, but does not appear cyanotic. She sits forward in a hunched position. The patient is unable to blow out a lighted match placed 6 to 12 inches away from her.
  2. Chest:
    • Quiet respiratory sounds. (Click here to listen to some examples of lung sounds .
    • Increased resonance
    • Prolonged expirations.
    • Increased anterior-posterior chest dimension (barrel chest)
    • Accessory muscle use
  3. Abdomen: soft, nontender
  4. Neurological exam: normal
  5. Extremities: No finger-clubbing

Questions:

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1. Are any of Ms. Schneider's vital signs outside normal limits? If so, what are they and what might they indicate?
2. Now look at the observations from an examination of her chest. Do you see any significant information? What is it and why might it be important?
3. What does the match test indicate?
4. What disorder do you suspect?
Asthma
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Pulmonary embolism
5. What laboratory tests would confirm your assessment? Don't forget to predict the results of your tests!

    

Next step: Lab Tests »