A patient tells the nurse that he is concerned he may be developing chronic bronchitis and asks how the diagnosis is made. Which of these is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis requires a history of a chronic productive cough that has persisted for at least 3 consecutive months in at least 2 consecutive years.

A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis requires a history of a respiratory infection that occurs every 3 consecutive months in at least 2 consecutive years.

A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis requires a chest x-ray that shows a tubercle bacillus that has been present for at least 2 consecutive years.

A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis requires you to have been hospitalized at least one time in at least 2 consecutive years with shortness of breath.