04-05-2010, 09:31 AM
3. A 38-year-old woman has had eight to ten episodes of
shortness of breath during the past 2 years. The episodes
begin with a sensation of tightness in the chest that
gradually increases over 24 hours and lasts up to 2 days.
Audible wheezing and a slight cough occur during severe
episodes. She feels well between episodes. Physical
examination shows no abnormalities except mild
prolongation of expiration. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?
(A) Chronic aspiration
(B) Congestive heart failure
© Hyperventilation syndrome
(D) Intrinsic asthma
(E) Periarteritis nodosa
shortness of breath during the past 2 years. The episodes
begin with a sensation of tightness in the chest that
gradually increases over 24 hours and lasts up to 2 days.
Audible wheezing and a slight cough occur during severe
episodes. She feels well between episodes. Physical
examination shows no abnormalities except mild
prolongation of expiration. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?
(A) Chronic aspiration
(B) Congestive heart failure
© Hyperventilation syndrome
(D) Intrinsic asthma
(E) Periarteritis nodosa