ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which medical condition may cause chest pain and is often mistaken for a heart issue?

1. Pneumonia

2. Pleurisy

3. Anxiety

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

The correct answer is: Pleurisy

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs), can produce sharp chest pain that intensifies during breathing or coughing. This type of pain can often mimic that of heart conditions, leading to misinterpretation as being related to a cardiac issue. The pain results from the pleura rubbing against each other due to the inflammation, which is usually accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing or a dry cough. In contrast, while conditions like pneumonia or anxiety can also generate chest discomfort, the specific characteristics of pleuritic pain, particularly its sharpness and relation to respiratory movements, set it apart as a condition frequently confused with heart problems. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is notable for causing burning chest pain similar to heartburn, but it does not typically present with the sharp, localized discomfort associated with pleurisy. Understanding these nuances helps in distinguishing pleurisy as a significant condition that warrants appropriate evaluation to rule out cardiac causes.