Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What does a "pink puffer" indicate in terms of COPD symptoms?

1. Obesity and wet lungs

2. Thin physique and barrel chest

3. Severe fatigue and fever

4. Sharp chest pain and tachycardia

The correct answer is: Thin physique and barrel chest

The term "pink puffer" is commonly associated with a particular phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically emphysema. This designation typically describes patients who exhibit a thin physique, characterized by weight loss and a lack of muscle mass, often due to the increased respiratory effort and energy expenditure required for breathing. Individuals identified as 'pink puffers' tend to have a barrel chest due to the hyperinflation of the lungs that occurs with emphysema, where the air trapping leads to an expanded chest shape. The term "pink" refers to the oxygenation status of these patients; they usually maintain a good level of oxygenation, often appearing pink or flushed due to good blood flow and effective oxygen exchange, despite their underlying lung disease. Understanding this phenotype helps in assessing and managing COPD, as it contrasts with the "blue bloater" phenotype seen in chronic bronchitis patients, who typically are overweight, have chronic cough, and may present with cyanosis due to poor oxygenation. Thus, recognizing the physical characteristics and clinical presentation of a "pink puffer" aids healthcare providers in tailoring treatment strategies and understanding the patient's health status in the context of COPD.