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Bronchiectasis (P)
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Course Curriculum
1. What is bronchiectasis?
*
Permanent dilation of bronchi due to chronic inflammation
Reversible narrowing of the airways
Acute bronchial inflammation
Consolidation of the alveoli
2. Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of bronchiectasis?
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Dry cough
Productive cough with large amounts of sputum
Sudden chest pain
Nocturnal wheeze
3. What is the most common underlying cause of bronchiectasis in the UK?
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Smoking
Recurrent respiratory infections
Pulmonary embolism
Asthma
4. Which investigation is most useful in confirming the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?
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Chest X-ray
High-resolution CT
Peak flow measurement
Sputum microscopy
5. Which condition is commonly associated with the development of bronchiectasis?
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Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Cystic fibrosis
Gastro-oesophageal reflux
6. What is the role of airway clearance techniques in bronchiectasis?
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They prevent bronchospasm
They improve cardiovascular fitness
They help expectorate mucus and reduce exacerbations
They are only for emergency use
7. Which type of antibiotic therapy may be used in recurrent infective exacerbations of bronchiectasis?
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Prophylactic long-term antibiotics
Single-dose oral penicillin
Intranasal antibiotics
Short-term antifungal treatment
8. What is a red flag symptom in a patient with bronchiectasis that may suggest a complication?
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Increased sputum production
Mild wheeze
Haemoptysis
Tiredness all the time
9. Which bacteria is frequently found in patients with severe bronchiectasis?
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Haemophilus influenzae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
10. What is the goal of bronchiectasis management in primary care?
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Eliminate the disease
Prevent acute kidney injury
Reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and preserve lung function
Monitor glucose levels
11. Which of the following is NOT commonly used in the treatment of bronchiectasis?
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Airway clearance physiotherapy
Long-term oxygen therapy in hypoxaemia
Inhaled corticosteroids as monotherapy
Antibiotics for exacerbations
12. What is the function of a sputum culture in bronchiectasis management?
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Guide antibiotic choice
Monitor for lung cancer
Exclude asthma
Assess exercise tolerance
13. Which of the following increases the risk of developing bronchiectasis?
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Smoking cessation
Vitamin B12 supplements
Regular exercise
Childhood pneumonia
14. Which immunisation is recommended for people with bronchiectasis?
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Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines
MMR vaccine
HPV vaccine
Yellow fever vaccine
15. Which of the following is a potential long-term complication of untreated bronchiectasis?
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Hepatitis
Cor pulmonale
Rheumatoid arthritis •
Heart failure
16. Which inhaled treatment may be helpful in bronchiectasis with coexisting airway hyperresponsiveness?
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Short-acting beta-agonist
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Topical steroids
17. Which of the following is most likely to trigger a bronchiectasis exacerbation?
*
Exposure to allergens
Bacterial respiratory infection
Dehydration
Low blood sugar
18. What symptom may suggest the need for urgent referral in a bronchiectasis patient?
*
Wheeze
Weight loss and persistent fever
Dry eyes
Occasional cough
19. What is the significance of Pseudomonas colonisation in bronchiectasis?
*
Associated with milder disease
Indicates non-infective cause
Requires immediate hospitalisation in all cases
Associated with more severe disease and poorer outcomes
20. Which multidisciplinary team member typically supports airway clearance training?
*
Dietitian
Respiratory physiotherapist
Speech and language therapist
Pharmacist