Respiratory Disease
9th Edition – 2025/2026 update
Authors: Terry Des Jardins, George G. Burton
Description
A realistic look at treating respiratory diseases! Clinical Manifestations
and Assessment of Respiratory Disease, 9th Edition gives you the
fundamental knowledge and understanding required to successfully assess
and treat patients with respiratory diseases. This foundation helps you
learn how to systematically gather relevant clinical data; make an objective
evaluation; identify the desired outcome and formulate an assessment;
design a safe, appropriate, and effective treatment plan; and document all
the steps involved. With this knowledge, you will understand the
effectiveness of performing therapies and when to adjust therapy to a
desired outcome.
PART I : Assesment of Cardiopulmonary Disease
Chapter 1: The Patient Interview
1. A 45-year-old patient with a history of asthma is being interviewed by the
respiratory therapist. The therapist asks the patient to describe their medication
use over the past month. What is the purpose of this question?
A. To assess adherence to prescribed treatments
,B. To determine the patient’s understanding of their condition
C. To identify possible side effects of medications
D. To explore lifestyle changes the patient has made
Answer: B
Rationale: This question assesses the patient’s understanding of their asthma and its
management, which is crucial for determining how well the patient can manage their
condition moving forward.
2. During a patient interview, a respiratory therapist uses open-ended questions
to encourage the patient to express their concerns. Which of the following is the
primary benefit of using open-ended questions?
A. They allow for more detailed patient responses
B. They help in identifying specific symptoms
C. They streamline the interview process
D. They reduce the patient's anxiety
Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the patient to provide more information and
elaborate on their concerns, leading to a more thorough assessment of their health
condition.
3. A therapist is closing an interview with a patient and says, "Is there anything
else you would like to discuss today?" Why is this an important part of the
interview process?
A. It ensures that the patient feels heard
B. It helps the therapist gather additional medical history
C. It signals the end of the session
D. It allows for quicker interview closure
,Answer: A
Rationale: This technique helps to ensure the patient feels their concerns have been
fully addressed, which can enhance patient satisfaction and trust in the therapist.
4. What is a common pitfall associated with the patient interview process?
A. Asking too many open-ended questions
B. Focusing too much on the patient’s emotions
C. Leading the patient with biased questions
D. Avoiding discussion of difficult topics
Answer: C
Rationale: Leading or biased questions can influence the patient’s responses and
result in inaccurate information, which can negatively affect the quality of care provided.
5. A respiratory therapist interviews a patient but fails to clarify the patient's
vague responses. What technique should have been used to avoid this issue?
A. Reflective listening
B. Clarifying questions
C. Summarizing the patient’s statements
D. Offering advice
Answer: B
Rationale: Clarifying questions help to ensure that the therapist fully understands the
patient's statements, which is essential for obtaining accurate information and providing
effective care.
6. During the patient interview, the therapist notices that the patient avoids eye
contact and provides minimal answers to questions. What might this behavior
indicate?
, A. The patient is not interested in the interview
B. The patient may feel anxious or uncomfortable
C. The patient does not understand the questions
D. The patient has no relevant medical history
Answer: B
Rationale: Avoiding eye contact and minimal responses can indicate discomfort or
anxiety. The therapist should address this by creating a more comfortable environment
and using empathetic communication techniques.
7. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is interviewed
about their daily activities. The patient describes shortness of breath during
simple tasks like dressing. How should the therapist document this symptom?
A. The patient experiences dyspnea on exertion
B. The patient has no significant limitations
C. The patient exhibits signs of anxiety
D. The patient is uncooperative during the interview
Answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea on exertion refers to shortness of breath experienced during
physical activity. Documenting this is critical for assessing the severity of COPD and
planning appropriate care.
8. In closing the patient interview, the therapist summarizes the information
provided and asks the patient if they have any additional concerns. Why is this
step important in patient care?
A. It helps the therapist gain additional information
B. It provides an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings
C. It reduces the duration of the interview