Respiratory

Question 1

Name 3 causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 1

Cystic fibrosis
Post-infectious states e.g. childhood infections or pneumonia
Genetic: Kartagener syndrome
Immunodeficiency - seen in hypogammaglobulinaemia
Other conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease

Question 2

What tests might you order on a pleural tap to differentiate an exudate from transudate?

If you suspect malignancy what other tests of the pleural fluid might be helpful?

Answer 2

Protein, LDH (Light’s criteria)

For malignancy: cytology, glucose (low in malignancy), cell count (lymphocytosis)

Question 3

How do you assess if a CXR is over or under penetrated?

Answer 3

Should be able to see spinous processes to the level of T4.