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pulmonary disease

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on pulmonary disease.

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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female presents with a chronic cough and fatigue. She has no significant past medical history but reports recent travel to Southeast Asia. A chest PET-CT was performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Order a bronchoscopy with biopsy
B. Start a trial of inhaled corticosteroids
C. Repeat the PET-CT scan in 3 months
D. Initiate anti-tuberculosis therapy
E. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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A 48-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of increasing fatigue, exertional dyspnoea, and a persistent cough productive of small amounts of mucus. She mentions a history of recurrent 'sinus infections' over the past year, often treated with antibiotics. She has recently felt lightheaded on standing. On examination, her blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg, pulse 88 bpm, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Chest auscultation reveals diffuse expiratory wheezes. Blood tests performed last week show haemoglobin 85 g/L (reference range 120-150), MCV 72 fL (reference range 80-100), and normal white cell count and platelet count. Spirometry performed concurrently shows an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.65 (predicted >0.70) with partial reversibility after bronchodilator. Considering the clinical presentation and investigations, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Order ANCA testing.
B. Initiate iron supplementation and investigate for gastrointestinal blood loss.
C. Arrange a high-resolution CT scan of the chest and sinuses.
D. Refer for urgent bronchoscopy.
E. Prescribe a course of oral corticosteroids and review in one week.
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A patient with community-acquired pneumonia has a CURB-65 score of 3. What is the most appropriate management setting?

A. Outpatient management
B. Outpatient management with daily review
C. Intensive care unit
D. Inpatient management on a general medical ward
E. Inpatient management, considering higher level care
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of cough and unintentional weight loss. He is a former smoker. Physical examination is unremarkable. A chest X-ray showed a nodule, and a PET-CT was performed for further characterisation, an axial view is shown. Considering the imaging findings and clinical presentation, what is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. Initiate empirical anti-tuberculous therapy
B. Repeat sputum studies for acid-fast bacilli
C. Thoracic surgical referral for wedge resection
D. CT-guided percutaneous biopsy
E. Follow-up PET-CT in 3 months
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A 32-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 2-week history of a persistent cough and shortness of breath. She has no significant past medical history and is a non-smoker. On examination, she has bilateral wheezing and reduced breath sounds. A chest X-ray shows hyperinflation of the lungs. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
B. Asthma
C. Heart failure
D. Pneumonia
E. Pulmonary embolism
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A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 2-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He has a history of smoking and works as a miner. On examination, he has cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. A chest X-ray shows bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Lung cancer
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
C. Lymphoma
D. Sarcoidosis
E. Tuberculosis
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X-ray of hiatal hernia
Image by Ahmed Farhat, Daryn Towle CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with increasing dyspnea. He has a history of GORD. The provided image was taken. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Refer for surgical consultation for fundoplication.
B. Prescribe prokinetic agents to improve gastric emptying.
C. Initiate a trial of PPI therapy and lifestyle modifications.
D. Order a barium swallow study to further evaluate the anatomy.
E. Perform an upper endoscopy to assess for complications.
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A 45-year-old man presents with chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats. Chest X-ray shows apical infiltrates. Sputum smear for AFB is negative. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Perform a bronchoscopy with lavage.
B. Order a CT scan of the chest.
C. Start empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment.
D. Discharge with symptomatic treatment and review.
E. Repeat sputum smear and culture, including nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
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A 72-year-old man presents to the clinic with progressive shortness of breath and a chronic cough producing white sputum. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history and worked in construction for most of his life. On examination, he has clubbing of the fingers and crackles at the lung bases. A chest X-ray shows diffuse reticular opacities, particularly at the lung bases. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
B. Lung cancer
C. Asbestosis
D. Congestive heart failure
E. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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A 40-year-old man presents with fever, pleuritic chest pain, and cough. A chest X-ray shows a pleural effusion. What is the next step in management?

A. Start steroids.
B. Perform a thoracentesis.
C. Start antibiotics.
D. Observe and repeat imaging in 2 weeks.
E. Order a CT scan.
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A 30-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 2-week history of a persistent cough, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. She has recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia. On examination, she appears thin and has crackles in the upper zones of her lungs. A chest X-ray shows cavitary lesions in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
B. Pulmonary tuberculosis
C. Pneumonia
D. Sarcoidosis
E. Lung cancer
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A 70-year-old woman with a history of diabetes presents with fever, cough, and weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Sarcoidosis
B. Lung cancer
C. Tuberculosis
D. Lung abscess
E. Pneumocystis pneumonia
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A 72-year-old retired builder with a 50 pack-year smoking history presents with a 3-month history of worsening cough, occasional streaks of blood in sputum, and unintentional weight loss of 6 kg. He reports mild dyspnoea on exertion, able to climb one flight of stairs before needing to rest. On examination, he is thin but alert, with an ECOG performance status of 1. Chest auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds over the right upper zone. A chest X-ray shows a 4.5 cm spiculated mass in the right upper lobe. There is no obvious pleural effusion or mediastinal widening. Full blood count, electrolytes, liver function tests, and renal function tests are within normal limits, except for a haemoglobin of 115 g/L. Spirometry shows FEV1 65% predicted, FVC 80% predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio 0.7.

A. Bronchoscopy with biopsy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for mediastinal staging.
B. Pulmonary function tests including DLCO.
C. Mediastinoscopy for nodal biopsy.
D. CT-guided core biopsy of the mass.
E. PET-CT scan for whole-body staging.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old former smoker with a 30 pack-year history presents to their GP with a 2-month history of persistent cough and increasing fatigue, noting a 3kg unintentional weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable, and vital signs are stable. Routine blood tests, including full blood count and inflammatory markers, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray reveals a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe. Subsequent PET-CT imaging is performed as part of the diagnostic workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image provided in the context of this patient's presentation, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Repeat PET-CT scan in 3 months
B. Tissue biopsy via bronchoscopy or CT guidance
C. Initiate empirical chemotherapy
D. Initiate empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy
E. Perform pulmonary function tests
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male, recent immigrant from a high-TB prevalence country, presents with a persistent cough and night sweats for the past two months. He denies fever or weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable except for mild, diffuse rhonchi on auscultation. Sputum cultures are pending. A PET-CT scan of the chest was performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics for presumed bacterial pneumonia
B. Initiate a four-drug anti-tuberculosis regimen
C. Repeat the PET-CT scan in three months to assess for interval growth
D. Start a course of oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
E. Order a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female, recently emigrated from Southeast Asia, presents to her general practitioner with complaints of fatigue, a persistent low-grade fever (37.8°C), and a non-productive cough that has been present for approximately one month. She denies any significant past medical history and is not currently taking any medications. Physical examination reveals slightly diminished breath sounds in the upper right lobe, but is otherwise unremarkable. Initial blood work, including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray revealed a suspicious lesion in the right upper lobe, prompting a PET-CT scan, an axial slice of which is shown. Given the patient's history, clinical presentation, and the findings on the PET-CT scan, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the diagnostic workup?

A. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover community-acquired pneumonia.
B. Order a CT-guided needle biopsy of the lesion.
C. Start empiric treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (HRZE).
D. Refer the patient to a pulmonologist for bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage.
E. Initiate sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears and cultures.
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A 68-year-old man with a history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and known secondary pulmonary hypertension presents with increasing dyspnoea and peripheral oedema. His arterial blood gas on room air shows pH 7.31, PaCO2 68 mmHg, PaO2 48 mmHg, and SaO2 80%. His chest X-ray shows hyperinflation and prominent pulmonary arteries. Which of the following interventions is most likely to acutely decrease his pulmonary vascular resistance?

A. Application of positive pressure ventilation with high PEEP
B. Administration of inhaled bronchodilators
C. Administration of supplemental oxygen
D. Initiation of intravenous diuretic therapy
E. Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation
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A 50-year-old Aboriginal man presents for a routine check. He has a history of smoking and lives in a remote community. What screening is most important to address his increased risk?

A. Cardiovascular risk assessment and diabetes screening
B. Glaucoma screening
C. Prostate cancer screening
D. Vitamin D deficiency screening
E. Osteoporosis screening
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old non-smoker presents with a 4-month history of intermittent fever, night sweats, and a persistent cough productive of small amounts of sputum. He recently emigrated from a region with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Physical examination is unremarkable. Chest X-ray reveals a solitary nodule in the right upper lobe. A PET-CT scan is performed as part of the investigation. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image provided in the context of this patient's presentation, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Manage conservatively with serial chest X-rays
B. Repeat the PET-CT scan in three months
C. Obtain tissue diagnosis via bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy
D. Arrange for surgical resection of the nodule
E. Initiate empirical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis
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For preterm neonate with RDS, when is surfactant most effective?

A. Prophylactically
B. After sepsis ruled out
C. After 24 hours
D. Early, within hours
E. Only if FiO2 > 0.8
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old immunocompetent patient presents with a chronic cough and low-grade fever. Initial investigations, including sputum microscopy, are negative. A PET-CT scan was performed (image shown). What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Bronchoscopy with biopsy
B. Empiric antibiotic therapy
C. Referral for surgical resection
D. Repeat sputum cultures
E. Initiate anti-tuberculosis therapy
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A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of persistent cough and occasional wheezing. She has a history of asthma, which has been well-controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. She denies any recent respiratory infections or changes in her medication. On examination, her vital signs are normal, and there are scattered wheezes on auscultation. Spirometry shows a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio that improves significantly after bronchodilator administration. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Increase the dose of inhaled corticosteroids
B. Start oral corticosteroids
C. Refer for allergy testing
D. Add a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
E. Prescribe a leukotriene receptor antagonist
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A 35-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of fever, chills, and a productive cough with greenish sputum. She has a history of asthma and is currently on inhaled corticosteroids. On examination, her temperature is 38.5°C, blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute. Auscultation of the chest reveals wheezing and crackles in the right lower lung field. A chest X-ray shows consolidation in the right lower lobe. What is the most appropriate initial antibiotic therapy for this patient, considering her asthma and current presentation?

A. Azithromycin
B. Amoxicillin-clavulanate
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Levofloxacin
E. Doxycycline
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A 30-year-old woman presents with fever, hemoptysis, and night sweats. A chest X-ray shows a round lesion with an air-fluid level. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Tuberculosis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Bronchiectasis
D. Lung cancer
E. Lung abscess
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A 65-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with fever, productive cough, and shortness of breath for 3 days. On examination, he has crackles in the right lower lung field. A chest X-ray shows a right lower lobe consolidation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Tuberculosis
B. Lung cancer
C. Heart failure
D. Pulmonary embolism
E. Community-acquired pneumonia
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 30-year-old recent immigrant from a high-TB prevalence country presents with a persistent cough and night sweats for 2 months. Sputum cultures are negative for acid-fast bacilli. A PET-CT scan was performed, and an image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Repeat sputum cultures in one week
B. Initiate anti-tuberculosis therapy
C. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics
D. Order a bronchoscopy with biopsy
E. Start the patient on corticosteroids
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A 60-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 2-month history of progressive shortness of breath and a dry cough. She has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and is currently on methotrexate and low-dose prednisone. On examination, she has fine inspiratory crackles at the lung bases. A high-resolution CT scan of the chest shows reticular opacities and honeycombing predominantly in the lower lobes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
B. Congestive heart failure
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Interstitial lung disease secondary to rheumatoid arthritis
E. Pneumonia
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A 70-80 year old lady being treated for pulmonary embolism with a therapeutic dose of subcutaneous Enoxaparin is found to have multiple new pulmonary emboli. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Start streptokinase infusion.
B. Switch to intravenous unfractionated heparin.
C. Switch to oral warfarin.
D. Increase the dose of subcutaneous enoxaparin.
E. Insert an IVC filter.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male, recent immigrant from a high-TB prevalence country, presents with a persistent cough and night sweats for the past two months. He denies fever or weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable except for mild scattered rhonchi on auscultation. Sputum cultures are negative for acid-fast bacilli. A PET-CT scan of the chest is performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Schedule a follow-up chest X-ray in 6 weeks to monitor for changes
B. Repeat sputum cultures for acid-fast bacilli with liquid media
C. Order a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy of the lesion
D. Initiate a multi-drug anti-tuberculosis therapy regimen
E. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics for presumed bacterial pneumonia
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Giant hiatal hernia, CT image. 63 year old man.
Image by Jmarchn CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 63-year-old man presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of GERD managed with occasional antacids. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds at the left lung base. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Surgical consultation for consideration of hiatal hernia repair
B. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and reassess in 4 weeks
C. Perform a diagnostic thoracentesis to rule out pleural effusion
D. Prescribe prokinetic agents to improve gastric emptying
E. Order an upper endoscopy to evaluate for esophagitis
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A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of persistent cough, night sweats, and weight loss. He has a history of smoking and works as a miner. On examination, he has decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion over the right upper lobe. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Pulmonary tuberculosis
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
C. Pneumonia
D. Lung cancer
E. Sarcoidosis
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A 70-80 year old lady, currently managed for pulmonary embolism with Enoxaparin 40 mg daily, is found to have multiple pulmonary emboli. Her vitals are within normal limits. What would be the most appropriate next step?

A. Insert an IVC filter.
B. Switch to apixaban.
C. Switch to oral warfarin.
D. Increase Enoxaparin to therapeutic dose.
E. Start streptokinase infusion.
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A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of persistent cough and shortness of breath. He is a non-smoker and works as a carpenter. On examination, there are bilateral inspiratory crackles at the lung bases. A chest X-ray shows reticular opacities predominantly in the lower lobes. Pulmonary function tests reveal a restrictive pattern. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Bronchiectasis
B. Asthma
C. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
E. Sarcoidosis
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A 59-year-old lady with a past history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension, and no smoking history, presents with a 3-month history of cough, blood-tinged sputum, night sweats, and a 5 kg weight loss. What are the most appropriate initial investigations for the likely diagnosis?

A. CXR + 3 AFB sputum samples
B. Full blood count and inflammatory markers.
C. Bronchoscopy with biopsy.
D. IGRA
E. CT chest
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 35-year-old male presents with hemoptysis and weight loss. PET-CT is shown. Bronchoscopy with biopsy is MOST likely to reveal which of the following?

A. Adenocarcinoma in situ
B. Squamous cell carcinoma
C. Granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis
D. Small cell carcinoma
E. Mesothelioma
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X-ray of hiatal hernia
Image by Ahmed Farhat, Daryn Towle CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old patient presents with intermittent chest discomfort and increasing shortness of breath, particularly after meals. Vitals are stable. Physical examination is unremarkable. A chest X-ray is performed. Considering the radiographic findings in the context of the patient's symptoms, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Trial of high-dose proton pump inhibitors
B. High-resolution CT chest
C. Barium swallow study
D. Referral for surgical assessment and repair
E. Urgent cardiac catheterisation
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A patient presents with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Which initial investigation is most crucial for guiding immediate management?

A. Blood cultures
B. Sputum culture
C. Full blood count
D. Chest X-ray
E. Arterial blood gas
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A 62-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of progressive shortness of breath, fatigue, and a persistent dry cough. She has a history of rheumatoid arthritis, for which she takes methotrexate and low-dose prednisone. She denies fever, weight loss, or night sweats. On examination, she has clubbing of the fingers and fine inspiratory crackles at the lung bases. Her oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. A chest X-ray shows reticular opacities predominantly in the lower lung zones. Pulmonary function tests reveal a restrictive pattern with reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate supplemental oxygen therapy
B. Start azathioprine
C. Refer for lung biopsy
D. Increase the dose of prednisone
E. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male, originally from a high-TB prevalence country, presents to the emergency department with a persistent cough for the past 3 weeks, night sweats, and a 5 kg weight loss. He denies any fever or shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals normal breath sounds bilaterally, with no wheezes or crackles. His vital signs are stable: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 88 bpm, blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. A chest X-ray was initially interpreted as showing a possible lung mass, prompting further investigation with a PET-CT scan, the axial view of which is shown. Sputum samples have been sent for microscopy and culture, but results are pending. Given the clinical presentation and the imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy
B. Schedule a follow-up PET-CT scan in 3 months to monitor for changes in size and metabolic activity
C. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover community-acquired pneumonia
D. Perform a CT-guided needle biopsy of the lesion for definitive diagnosis
E. Initiate a multi-drug anti-tuberculosis therapy regimen
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X-ray of hiatal hernia
Image by Ahmed Farhat, Daryn Towle CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and takes aspirin daily. An X-ray is performed. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Prescribe a H2 receptor antagonist
B. Order a barium swallow study
C. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor and lifestyle modifications
D. Perform an upper endoscopy
E. Refer for surgical consultation for fundoplication
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A 35-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He also reports a persistent cough that has recently become productive of blood-streaked sputum. He has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. He recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia. On examination, he is febrile and has bilateral crackles in the upper lung fields. A chest X-ray shows cavitary lesions in the upper lobes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Community-acquired pneumonia
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
C. Lung cancer
D. Sarcoidosis
E. Pulmonary tuberculosis
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A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease presents with a 3-day history of productive cough, fever, and pleuritic chest pain. On examination, temperature is 38.2°C, HR 105, BP 130/80, RR 22, SpO2 93% on air. Crackles are heard over the right lower lung field. Which initial investigation is most crucial for guiding management?

A. Arterial blood gas
B. Blood cultures
C. Full blood count and C-reactive protein
D. Sputum culture and sensitivity
E. Chest X-ray
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. His INR is currently 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Insert an intercostal chest drain
B. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
C. Perform a diagnostic thoracentesis
D. Observe and repeat INR in 6 hours
E. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate
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A 1-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a 3-day history of cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The child has a fever of 38.5°C and a runny nose. On examination, the child appears in mild respiratory distress with nasal flaring and intercostal retractions. Auscultation reveals diffuse wheezing and crackles throughout the lung fields. The child has no significant past medical history and is up to date with vaccinations. A chest X-ray shows hyperinflation but no focal consolidation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Foreign body aspiration
B. Asthma
C. Croup
D. Bronchiolitis
E. Pneumonia
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A 58-year-old woman presents with a 7-year history of chronic cough productive of copious, often purulent, sputum, particularly noticeable in the mornings. She reports requiring 4-5 courses of antibiotics annually for exacerbations of her 'chronic bronchitis'. She is a non-smoker and has no significant past medical history other than childhood measles complicated by pneumonia. On examination, she has scattered coarse crackles bilaterally at the lung bases. Her oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. Spirometry performed 3 months ago showed FEV1 78% predicted, FVC 85% predicted, FEV1/FVC 0.75. A recent chest X-ray was reported as showing 'mild peribronchial thickening'. Given the clinical suspicion, what is the single most appropriate next investigation to establish the diagnosis?

A. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage
B. Sputum culture for bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria
C. Alpha-1 antitrypsin level
D. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest
E. Pulmonary function tests including lung volumes and diffusion capacity
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Adult with suspected aspiration pneumonia. Initial antibiotic?

A. Doxycycline
B. Amoxicillin-clavulanate
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Ceftriaxone
E. Azithromycin
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
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A 78-year-old male on warfarin presents with acute shortness of breath. INR is 5.0. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Pneumonia
B. Anticoagulation-related bleeding
C. Heart failure exacerbation
D. Pulmonary embolism
E. Spontaneous pneumothorax
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male on warfarin presents with sudden onset dyspnea. His INR is 6.0. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Administer IV vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate
B. Observe and repeat imaging in 24 hours
C. Perform needle thoracostomy
D. Administer IV protamine sulfate
E. Administer IV furosemide
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A 45-year-old man presents to his general practitioner with a 3-month history of persistent cough and occasional wheezing. He is a non-smoker and works as a carpenter. He reports that his symptoms worsen at work and improve on weekends. He has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Viral upper respiratory tract infection
B. Pulmonary fibrosis
C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
E. Occupational asthma
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A 62-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. She describes the pain as sharp and worse with inspiration. She has a history of deep vein thrombosis and is currently on warfarin. On examination, her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Her jugular venous pressure is elevated, and she has clear lung fields on auscultation. An ECG shows sinus tachycardia with right axis deviation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Acute myocardial infarction
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pericarditis
D. Pneumothorax
E. Aortic dissection
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