PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common chronic cause of dyspnea on exertion?

1. Foreign body aspiration

2. Obesity

3. Pneumothorax

4. Angioedema

The correct answer is: Obesity

Obesity is a common chronic cause of dyspnea on exertion due to the additional weight that increases the workload on the respiratory system. The excess body mass can restrict lung expansion, leading to decreased lung volumes and impaired gas exchange. This restriction is particularly evident during physical activity, where the body's demand for oxygen increases and the respiratory system struggles to meet that demand. Chronic conditions, like obesity, can lead to other complications such as obesity hypoventilation syndrome, where patients experience further respiratory difficulties due to their weight. This direct impact on lung mechanics and the ability to maintain adequate ventilation makes dyspnea on exertion a frequent symptom for individuals with obesity. Other options provided do not align with chronic causes of dyspnea. Foreign body aspiration tends to cause acute respiratory distress rather than chronic symptoms. Pneumothorax typically presents with sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain rather than chronic dyspnea, while angioedema, typically an allergic reaction, presents acutely with swelling, potentially affecting the airway and causing respiratory distress rather than chronic exertional dyspnea.