Inflammation and Immune Pathology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 27-year-old woman twists her ankle while running. Within one hour, she develops severe ankle pain and swelling. Vital signs show HR 88 bpm, BP 118/76 mmHg, RR 16/min, and temp 37.2°C. Examination reveals joint swelling and erythema; no neurovascular compromise noted. X-ray shows no fracture. Which inflammatory mediator is most directly responsible for the pain sensation in this acutely inflamed tissue?
Answer choices
- AInterferon alpha
- BIL 12
- CGM CSF
- DBradykininCorrect answer
- EIL 10
- FProstaglandin E2 pain sensitization via cyclooxygenase pathway
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