Midterm Exam: NR 569 NR569

Midterm Exam: NR 569 / NR569

(Latest Update 2025 / 2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute Care Practicum | Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct – Chamberlain

Question:

Infective Endocarditis

Answer:

• An acute or subacute bacterial infection of the endocardium or the heart

valves or both. The condition is characterized by heart murmur, prolonged fever, bacteremia, splenomegaly, and embolic pneumonia.

Question:

• Most common organisms for IE

Answer:

• Aureus
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Pneumoniae 1 / 4

Question:

Acute Bronchitis (Respiratory)

Answer:

• Acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the tracheobronchial

tree. Pathophysiologically, acute bronchitis increases airway resistance due to sputum production and airway epithelial inflammation. Patients with acute bronchitis typically present with cough and sputum production and may have rhonchi on exam.

- Treatment: Not usually treated with with abx unless the patient has a

preexisting lung condition such as COPD.

Question:

Pneumonia (Respiratory)

Answer:

• An acute inflammation of the lungs, often caused by inhaled pneumococci

of the species Streptococcus pneumoniae. The alveoli and brochioles of the lungs become plugged with a fibrous exudate. Pneumonia may also be caused by other bacteria, as well as by viruses, rickettsiae, and fungi. May increase airway resistance due to airway edema. May also lead to decreased compliance of the respiratory system due to regions of lung consolidation. Patients with PNA will note fever, complex pleuritic chest pain, and rales on exam. An infiltrate on CXR often confirms the diagnosis of pneumonia.

- Treatment: The mainstays of treatment of PNA are antibiotics and

supplemental oxygen. 2 / 4

Question:

Aspiration Pneumonitis (Respiratory)

Answer:

• Refers to inhalational acute lung injury that occurs after aspiration of sterile

gastric contents. Has a very similar physiologic mechanism and clinical presentation to pneumonia, and should be suspected in patients who were obtunded or have swallowing difficulties due to stroke or other neuromuscular problems.

Treatment: Although aspiration pneumonitis due to gastric acid does not

need to be treated with antibiotics, most clinicians add antimicrobial coverage, particularly if there is an elevation in the patient's temperature or WBCs, as there may be an infectious component due to aspiration of oral or GI flora.

Question:

Asthma (Respiratory)

Answer:

• A respiratory disorder causing narrowing of the airway that may be due to

allergy or hypersensitivity reactions. It is a complex disorder involving biochemical, immunological, infectious, endocrinological, and psychological factors. Patients with asthma often present with complaints of "chest tightness", a sensation attributed to stimulation of airway receptors, and a sensation of an "inability to take a deep breath" and "air hunger", which likely arises from increased drive to breathe and limited inspiratory capacity resulting from hyperinflation.

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Treatment: Includes bronchodilators and steroids.

Question:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Respiratory)

Answer:

• A progressive and irreversible condition characterized by diminished

inspiratory and expiratory capacity of the lungs. The condition is aggravated by cigarette smoking and air pollution.

Treatment: Bronchodilators and steroids; anticholingeric inhalers may be

effective in COPD.

Question:

Stridor (Respiratory)

Answer:

• An abnormal high-pitched musical sound caused by an obstruction in the

trachea or larynx. It is usually heard during inspiration. Stridor may indicate several neoplastic or inflammatory conditions, including glottic edema, asthma, diphtheria, laryngospasm, and papillopma. Considered a medical emergency.

Treatment: may require emergent intubation or surgical airway. Occasionally,

the patient can be temporized with administration of inhaled heliox (a mixture of helium and oxygen).

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