American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which symptom typically does NOT indicate the need for bronchoscopy?

1. Hemoptysis

2. Stridor or localized wheeze

3. Mild cough

4. Persistent pulmonary infiltrate

The correct answer is: Mild cough

Cough is a common respiratory symptom that, while it can indicate a range of underlying conditions, does not typically suggest a need for bronchoscopy unless it is severe, chronic, or associated with other alarming symptoms. Mild cough often reflects minor respiratory issues, such as viral infections, allergies, or irritation, which usually do not require invasive diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy. In contrast, symptoms like hemoptysis (coughing up blood), stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound indicative of narrowing of the airways), localized wheeze, and persistent pulmonary infiltrate are more suggestive of significant underlying pathologies such as malignancy, foreign body aspiration, or severe infections. These symptoms often necessitate further evaluation through bronchoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and potentially provide therapeutic interventions.