Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What is a common symptom evaluated in CURB-65 scoring?

Fluid retention
Shortness of breath
Uremia
Fever

The correct answer is: Uremia

In CURB-65 scoring, some of the criteria include confusion (C), urea (blood urea nitrogen or BUN) elevation (U), respiratory rate greater than 30 breaths per minute (R), low blood pressure (B), and age 65 years or older (65). While the symptoms related to respiratory infections can include fever and shortness of breath, the specific evaluation of uremia, or elevated blood urea nitrogen levels, is distinctly represented in the CURB-65 criteria. Uremia serves as an important marker for assessing the severity of pneumonia and helps determine the necessary level of care for patients because it reflects possible organ dysfunction resulting from systemic illness. This scoring system emphasizes recognizing serious complications in patients, particularly those with kidney function changes indicated by uremia, which can affect the patient’s overall prognosis and management. The focus on elevated urea levels aids clinicians in making timely and informed decisions regarding treatment plans for pneumonia patients.