Question

A 75-year-old woman with no history of lung problems or smoking is admitted to the shadow general medical floor for new onset fever and cough. you find rales and increased tactile fremitus on physical exam. what is likely to be her main medical problem?

Answer 1

These clinical signs suggest a respiratory disease: pneumonia (pulmonary infection by an agent)

Classically, pneumonia is manifested by the usual signs of infection and inflammatory reaction such as fever, and by specifically pulmonary signs (coughing, spitting). But it can take different forms depending on the germ involved and the people. Typical pneumonia is pneumonia associated with a bacterium called pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). In this case, the onset of symptoms is often abrupt, with very high fatigue, usually fever high (above 39 °C), chills, chest pain ("stabbing"), sometimes breathing difficulties. Clinical examination is important for diagnosis. The stethoscope auscultation allows to hear crackling (crackles) localized, during breathing, and the percussion of the thorax with the fingers to perceive a dull sound, corresponding to the replacement of the air by secretions within the focus infectious.

Answer 2

Based on the given assessment above and the signs and symptoms, having fever and cough plus rales and increased tactile fremitus are main indicators of PNEUMONIA. It is considered as an infection which results to fever. Hope this answers your question.