ABIM exam UPDATED Exam Questions
and CORRECT Answers
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - CORRECT ANSWER - A class of
diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by airflow limitation
and difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis - CORRECT ANSWER - A condition where there is excess bronchial
secretion for at least 3 continuous months for at least 2 years. It is a form of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Emphysema - CORRECT ANSWER - A condition characterized by the enlargement of
distal airspaces with destruction of alveolar septae. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD).
Smoking - CORRECT ANSWER - A significant risk factor for developing chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dyspnea - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by difficulty breathing.
Cough - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
Prolonged expiration - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) where the exhaling phase is longer than normal.
Wheezing - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing.
, Pursed lip breathing - CORRECT ANSWER - A technique used by individuals with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to improve breathing by exhaling through pursed
lips.
Cyanosis - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the
blood.
Chest radiograph - CORRECT ANSWER - An imaging test used to evaluate chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may show signs of hyperinflation and a flat
diaphragm.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) - CORRECT ANSWER - A series of tests used to assess
lung function and diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They can reveal
characteristic changes associated with the disease.
Arterial blood gas (ABG) - CORRECT ANSWER - A test that measures the levels of
oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it
may show low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia).
Acute exacerbations - CORRECT ANSWER - Episodes of worsening symptoms in
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are typically treated with medications such
as beta-agonists, anticholinergics, oxygen, steroids, antibiotics, and non-invasive ventilation.
Lung volume - CORRECT ANSWER - A measurement used in the diagnosis and
monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its response to treatment.
Residual volume - CORRECT ANSWER - The amount of air that remains in the lungs
after maximal expiration.
Expiratory reserve volume - CORRECT ANSWER - The additional volume of air that can
be exhaled after a normal exhalation.
and CORRECT Answers
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - CORRECT ANSWER - A class of
diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by airflow limitation
and difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis - CORRECT ANSWER - A condition where there is excess bronchial
secretion for at least 3 continuous months for at least 2 years. It is a form of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Emphysema - CORRECT ANSWER - A condition characterized by the enlargement of
distal airspaces with destruction of alveolar septae. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD).
Smoking - CORRECT ANSWER - A significant risk factor for developing chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dyspnea - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by difficulty breathing.
Cough - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
Prolonged expiration - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) where the exhaling phase is longer than normal.
Wheezing - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing.
, Pursed lip breathing - CORRECT ANSWER - A technique used by individuals with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to improve breathing by exhaling through pursed
lips.
Cyanosis - CORRECT ANSWER - A symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the
blood.
Chest radiograph - CORRECT ANSWER - An imaging test used to evaluate chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may show signs of hyperinflation and a flat
diaphragm.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) - CORRECT ANSWER - A series of tests used to assess
lung function and diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They can reveal
characteristic changes associated with the disease.
Arterial blood gas (ABG) - CORRECT ANSWER - A test that measures the levels of
oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it
may show low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia).
Acute exacerbations - CORRECT ANSWER - Episodes of worsening symptoms in
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are typically treated with medications such
as beta-agonists, anticholinergics, oxygen, steroids, antibiotics, and non-invasive ventilation.
Lung volume - CORRECT ANSWER - A measurement used in the diagnosis and
monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its response to treatment.
Residual volume - CORRECT ANSWER - The amount of air that remains in the lungs
after maximal expiration.
Expiratory reserve volume - CORRECT ANSWER - The additional volume of air that can
be exhaled after a normal exhalation.
