Organ System Pathology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 54-year-old woman with septic shock from perforated diverticulitis is admitted and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and vasopressors. Two days later, she develops severe dyspnea requiring intubation. Vital signs show HR 118/min, RR 28/min, BP 92/58 mmHg, and SpO2 78% despite FiO2 100%. Chest radiograph reveals diffuse bilateral opacities. Arterial blood gas shows PaO2 55 mmHg with normal cardiac silhouette. Which diagnosis best explains her acute respiratory deterioration?
Answer choices
- ATransudative pleural effusion from congestive heart failure
- BAcute respiratory distress syndromeCorrect answer
- CCommunity acquired pneumonia
- DPulmonary edema due to left sided heart failure
- EPulmonary embolism
- FAcute decompensated asthma exacerbation
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