Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test

A patient presents with wheezing and a peak expiratory flow that you expect to be?

1. A. 25%

2. B. 39%

3. C. 63%

4. D. 77%

The correct answer is: B. 39%

In the context of a patient presenting with wheezing, you would expect a peak expiratory flow rate that reflects a moderate level of obstruction in the airways, commonly associated with conditions like asthma or COPD exacerbation. A peak expiratory flow below 80% of the predicted value suggests varying degrees of airflow limitation. In this scenario, a peak expiratory flow of 39% aligns with a moderate level of obstruction. This indicates that the patient's condition is likely presenting significant respiratory distress, common in patients experiencing wheezing. The lower the percentage, the more severe the airway limitation, which correlates with the clinical signs of wheezing. Understanding this context allows for appropriate management strategies, such as bronchodilator therapy, which are critical for stabilizing the patient's respiratory status. Recognition of these peak flow percentages as indicators of airflow obstruction is vital for differential diagnosis and treatment planning in emergency medicine.