Which of the following is a classic feature of the general appearance in a patient with cystic fibrosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a classic feature of the general appearance in a patient with cystic fibrosis?

In cystic fibrosis, chronic mucus plugging and recurrent infections cause obstructive airways disease with air trapping. Over time this leads to lung hyperinflation, which enlarges the chest’s front-to-back diameter and gives a barrel-shaped appearance. This increased anteroposterior chest dimension is a classic general appearance finding in CF. Cyanosis isn’t typically seen early or as a defining feature, since many patients maintain adequate oxygenation until advanced disease. Clubbing can occur with long-standing lung disease but isn’t as universally characteristic as the barrel-shaped chest. Peripheral edema isn’t a typical feature of CF and would suggest other issues such as cardiac involvement or other comorbidities.

In cystic fibrosis, chronic mucus plugging and recurrent infections cause obstructive airways disease with air trapping. Over time this leads to lung hyperinflation, which enlarges the chest’s front-to-back diameter and gives a barrel-shaped appearance. This increased anteroposterior chest dimension is a classic general appearance finding in CF.

Cyanosis isn’t typically seen early or as a defining feature, since many patients maintain adequate oxygenation until advanced disease. Clubbing can occur with long-standing lung disease but isn’t as universally characteristic as the barrel-shaped chest. Peripheral edema isn’t a typical feature of CF and would suggest other issues such as cardiac involvement or other comorbidities.

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