07-15-2015, 06:37 AM
A 34-year-old waiter with a known history of asthma presents with complaints of severe shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing. He arrives at the emergency department and appears extremely dyspneic. His blood pressure is 154/84 mm Hg, pulse is 104/min, and respirations are 32/min. With inspiration, his blood pressure falls to 112/70 mm Hg. On lung examination, there are loud, high-pitched wheezes and a prolonged expiratory phase. Which of the following physical examination findings is of most significance in evaluating this patient?
A. Hypertension
B. Loud wheezing
C. Prolonged expiratory phase
D. Pulsus paradoxus
E. Tachycardia
A. Hypertension
B. Loud wheezing
C. Prolonged expiratory phase
D. Pulsus paradoxus
E. Tachycardia