A 4-year-old child presented with recurrent chest infection and poor growth. On examination, chest auscultation revealed inspiratory crepitation with expiratory wheeze and finger c... A 4-year-old child presented with recurrent chest infection and poor growth. On examination, chest auscultation revealed inspiratory crepitation with expiratory wheeze and finger clubbing. Further exploration in the history revealed the presence of very offensive and greasy stools. Which of the following is expected to be further identified in the physical examination? A. Nasal polyp B. Gynecomastia C. Inguinal hernia D. Small joint swelling Read more

Understand the Problem

The question describes a 4-year-old child presenting with symptoms including recurrent chest infections, poor growth, chest auscultation findings (inspiratory crepitation and expiratory wheeze), finger clubbing, and offensive, greasy stools. The question asks what additional finding would be expected during a physical examination, given these symptoms. This is a medical diagnostic question. The symptoms provided help to narrow down a specific condition, and you need to know what to find next to confirm your assumption.

More Information

The child's symptoms (recurrent chest infections, poor growth, inspiratory crepitation, expiratory wheeze, finger clubbing, and offensive greasy stools) are highly suggestive of cystic fibrosis (CF). Nasal polyps are a common finding in patients with cystic fibrosis. While the other options are possible in children, they are not as directly linked to the constellation of symptoms presented in this case.

Tips

When answering questions like this, consider the most likely underlying condition that explains all the presenting symptoms and signs.

Sources

• Question Sets and Answers - PMC - PubMed Central - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Bronchiectasis - Physiopedia - physio-pedia.com