COPD USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 43-year-old woman who breeds pigeons presents with intermittent fever (38.2°C), cough, and dyspnea developing several hours after cleaning bird cages. Vital signs show HR 102, RR 24, SpO2 88% on room air. Fine crackles are audible bilaterally. Chest imaging demonstrates diffuse ground-glass interstitial infiltrates. Spirometry shows a restrictive pattern. She denies recent antibiotic use. Which of the following best describes the underlying mechanism of her pulmonary pathology?
Answer choices
- AImmune mediated alveolar and interstitial inflammation from inhaled organic antigensCorrect answer
- BDirect angioinvasion by Aspergillus hyphae
- CDeposition of ferruginous bodies within the pleura
- DSuppurative destruction of bronchi due to cystic fibrosis
- EType I hypersensitivity with mast cell degranulation only
- FGranulomatous inflammation and fibrosis from inhalation of silica particles
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