Question

A 73-year-old man comes into the ER via ambulance with his daughter. The daughter states that her father is severely ill and having trouble breathing. His vital signs are: 99% SP02 (no oxygen support), 98 BPM, 98.8 ℉ (37.1℃), 18 RR, and 140/90 BP. He has no allergies although severe medical history including, similar symptoms 7 times beforehand within the past 3 months in which he was checked into different hospitals, a diagnosis of late-stage Alzheimers by a doctor who is no longer practicing due to legal issues along with that the patient seems not to experience any symptoms with the severe diagnosis and a diagnosis of high blood pressure. He takes 10 mg of lisinopril, 25 mg of Chlorthalidone, and 10 mg of Memantine. The EKG comes back normal and so does the pulmonary function test. No fluid or any issues are present in the CT or chest X-ray. Along with that, he seems to be stating “My daughter says I am having trouble breathing.” when asking for his symptoms. What is a probable DDX?
A. Pneumonia
B. Munchausen's by Proxy
C. Late Stage Alzehimer's but, the patient is currently lucid
D. Phantom Lung Pain

Answer 1

The answer is B.Munchausen by proxy