COPD USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 67-year-old retired shipyard worker presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and dry cough for 18 months. Vital signs show BP 138/82, HR 98, RR 22, SpO2 88% on room air. Bibasilar crackles are noted. Chest X-ray demonstrates diffuse interstitial fibrosis with calcified pleural plaques. PFTs show reduced DLCO at 58% predicted. He denies hemoptysis. He takes no current respiratory medications. Which of the following conditions carries increased risk in this patient?
Answer choices
- AMesotheliomaCorrect answer
- BGoodpasture syndrome
- CAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- DPrimary spontaneous pneumothorax
- ESilicotuberculosis
- FAcute respiratory distress syndrome
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.