Presentations and Differentials

Question 1

Name 2 causes of acute breathlessnes

Answer 1

1. acute PE

2. acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure

Question 2

Name 2 causes of subacute breathlessness

Answer 2

1. worsening of asthma

2. exacerbation of COPD

Question 3

Name 2 causes of chronic breathlessness

Answer 3

1. COPD
2. interstitial lung disease
3. lung cancer

Question 4

Name 4 non-respiratory/non-cardiac causes of

Answer 4

1. Anaemia
2. Thyrotoxicosis
3. Shock
4. Anxiety/panic attacks

Question 5

Name 5 instances when emergency admission would be considered for a patient with breathlessness

Answer 5

1. ECG changes indicating MI/arrythmia
2. suspected sepsis
3. rapid onset/worsening of symptoms of suspected heart failure
4. clinical features of PE/pneumothorax
5. suspected asthma and any features of severe/life threatening asthma attack

Question 6

Name 4 cardiac causes of chest pain

Answer 6

1. stable angina
2. ACS
3. pericarditis
4. aortic dissection

Question 7

Name 4 respiratory causes of chest pain

Answer 7

1. PE
2. pneumonia
3. pneumothorax
4. pulmonary hypertension

Question 8

Name 4 GI causes of chest pain

Answer 8

1. Oesophageal spasm
2. GORD
3. peptic ulcer
4. gastritis

Question 9

Name 5 other causes of chest pain

Answer 9

1. panic disorder
2. muscle strain
3. costochondritis
4. varicella zoster
5. rib fracture

Question 10

What are the characteristics of chest pain caused by the following conditions:

1. stable angina
2. ACS
3. Pericarditis
4. Aortic dissection

Answer 10

1. chest discomfort on exertion; relieved by rest/nitrates
2. central crushing chest pain that can radiate to the upper limb/jaw. Associated with nausea, flushing, sweating, dizziness
3. sharp pleuritic chest pain, worse on lying down. viral prodrome
4. acute substernal tearing that radiates to the back

Question 11

What are the characteristics of chest pain caused by the following conditions:

1. PE
2. Pneumonia
3. Pneumothorax
4. Pulmonary hypertension

Answer 11

1. acute pleuritic chest pain accompanied with SOB and haemoptysis
2. pleuritic chest pain; deep chest ache; accompanied by symptoms of infection
3. acute pleuritic chest pain accomplanied with SOB
4. cardiac like chest pain with symptoms of R sided heart failure