A physical therapist completes a respiratory examination on a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding would the therapist MOST likely observe?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased total lung capacity. In COPD, there is typically air trapping due to decreased elasticity of the lungs and increased residual volume. This results in an increased total lung capacity as the lungs are hyperinflated. A: Decreased residual volume is incorrect because in COPD, there is air trapping leading to increased residual volume. B: Increased expiratory flow rates is incorrect because in COPD, there is airflow limitation causing decreased expiratory flow rates. C: Decreased functional residual capacity is incorrect because in COPD, there is air trapping leading to increased functional residual capacity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebellar dysfunction. Heel-to-toe walking, also known as tandem gait, is a test of cerebellar function. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement and balance, so difficulty with this task indicates dysfunction in the cerebellum. Cranial nerve deficit (A) typically presents with abnormalities in facial sensation or muscle weakness. Vestibular impairment (C) is associated with dizziness and balance issues, but not specifically heel-to-toe walking. Spinal cord injury (D) would manifest as motor or sensory deficits below the level of injury, not specifically affecting heel-to-toe walking.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: S3. In heart failure, S3 heart sound is often heard due to rapid ventricular filling during early diastole. This sound is associated with volume overload and impaired left ventricular function. S1 and S2 are normal heart sounds, while S4 is associated with stiff ventricles and is commonly heard in conditions like hypertension or aortic stenosis. Therefore, S3 is the most commonly associated heart sound with heart failure due to its specific characteristics in this condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because comparing the apical and radial pulses helps determine the regularity of the heart rate. If they are not synchronized, it may indicate an underlying cardiac issue. A is incorrect as an irregular pulse is not normal. B is unnecessary without further assessment. D is incorrect as palpating carotid arteries for thrills does not address the irregularity of the apical pulse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The dullness on percussion over the right lower lung field suggests consolidation or pleural effusion. Consolidation refers to the filling of air spaces in the lungs with fluid, pus, or cellular debris, leading to solidification of lung tissue and dullness on percussion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can also cause dullness on percussion due to the presence of fluid in the lung field. This finding is not indicative of normal lung tissue (Option A), as dullness is not expected over normal lung tissue. Pneumothorax (Option B) is characterized by hyperresonance on percussion due to the presence of air in the pleural space. Hyperinflation of the lung (Option D) would typically present with hyperresonance on percussion due to increased air volume in the lungs.