Inflammation and Immune Pathology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 67-year-old man with cellulitis of the right lower extremity presents with fever (39.4°C), tachycardia (102 bpm), and tachypnea (18 breaths/min). Blood cultures are pending; WBC is 14,200/μL with left shift. He denies rigors or recent antibiotic use. Physical examination reveals erythema, warmth, and edema without fluctuance. Macrophage-derived cytokines stimulate hypothalamic endothelial cells to synthesize which mediator that directly raises the thermoregulatory set point?
Answer choices
- AEndothelin 1
- BThromboxane A2
- CProstaglandin E2Correct answer
- DLeukotriene C4
- ENitric oxide
- FSubstance P
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