National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following physical findings is most common in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

1. Dorsal kyphosis

2. Hemoptysis

3. Cor pulmonale

4. Decreased respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Dorsal kyphosis

In patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the most common physical finding is dorsal kyphosis. This postural change is often a result of long-term lung disease and the consequent adaptations in body mechanics. Patients with COPD frequently experience difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion. To facilitate breathing, they may adopt a forward-leaning posture, causing the thoracic spine to become rounded over time, leading to kyphosis. This finding showcases the physical impact of prolonged respiratory stress on the musculoskeletal system. Over time, as patients experience limited mobility and exercise tolerance, structural changes can lead to a more pronounced curvature of the thoracic spine, contributing to an overall decline in postural stability and respiratory function. The other options, while associated with various stages or complications of COPD, do not present as commonly in the physical examination of these patients. Hemoptysis may occur, but is not a frequent finding and is often related to acute exacerbations or other conditions. Cor pulmonale, or right-sided heart failure due to respiratory illness, may develop over time but is not necessarily a common finding in every patient with COPD. Decreased respiratory rate is atypical; many patients exhibit a normal or increased respiratory rate due to their