A Respiratory Therapist Is Examining a Patient in Respiratory Distress

Multiple Choice

A respiratory therapist is examining a patient in respiratory distress. She observes that the patient has a barrel chest, is using his accessory muscles of inspiration even when sitting at rest, and has a prolonged expiratory phase with pursed-lip breathing. This finding is most consistent with:

A) an upper respiratory infection.
B) an acute exacerbation of asthma.
C) severe COPD.
D) a myocardial infarction.