AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following are signs of the "blue bloater"?

1. Thin physique, wavy hair, dry skin

2. Cyanosis, obesity, productive cough, wheezing

3. Dyspnea, wheezing, recurrent pneumonia

4. Frequent headaches, fatigue, chest pain

The correct answer is: Cyanosis, obesity, productive cough, wheezing

The signs of the "blue bloater," which refers to a type of chronic bronchitis patient often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), include cyanosis, obesity, productive cough, and wheezing. Cyanosis is a blue discoloration of the skin resulting from insufficient oxygen in the blood, which is typical for this type of patient due to hypoxemia caused by long-term lung problems. Obesity often accompanies chronic bronchitis, as individuals with this condition may have a sedentary lifestyle due to breathing difficulties. A productive cough signifies the presence of mucus in the airways, which is commonly seen in patients with chronic bronchitis. Wheezing indicates narrowed air passages, leading to difficulty breathing and is a prevalent symptom in those with chronic lung issues. The other options describe different characteristics or symptoms not specific to the blue bloater phenotype. For instance, a thin physique, wavy hair, and dry skin do not align with the presentation of chronic bronchitis, as this condition usually leads to obesity rather than a thin physique. Dyspnea and recurrent pneumonia may suggest other respiratory issues but do not delineate the specific characteristics of a blue bloater. Lastly, frequent headaches, fatigue, and chest pain could represent a variety of