CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which patient is most likely to complain of hemoptysis?

1. Acute asthmatic

2. Acute laryngitis

3. Lung cancer

4. Acute bronchitis

The correct answer is: Lung cancer

Hemoptysis, the coughing up of blood, can be associated with various respiratory conditions, but lung cancer is notably characterized by this symptom due to malignancy in the lungs that can lead to tissue necrosis and erosion of blood vessels. Patients with lung cancer may experience hemoptysis as a result of tumor growth causing damage to pulmonary blood vessels or inflammation in the airways. This is particularly concerning as it can indicate advanced disease. In contrast, while conditions like acute asthma, acute laryngitis, and acute bronchitis can cause significant respiratory symptoms, they do not typically present with hemoptysis in the same way. Acute asthma may lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing rather than blood in sputum. Acute laryngitis usually involves inflammation of the larynx, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness or sore throat, but it does not predispose to hemoptysis. Acute bronchitis can cause a persistent cough and production of sputum, and while it may involve minor blood streaking due to intense coughing, it is less likely to lead to significant hemoptysis compared to lung cancer. In summary, lung cancer stands out as the condition most strongly associated with hemoptysis, reflecting the severity and nature