Pulmonology — MCQs

Pulmonology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 811: An Adult with asthma presents with asthma symptoms every day and wakes up in the night approximately 2 to 3 days in a week. He can be classified as having :

A. Intermittent Asthma
B. Mild Persistent Asthma
C. Moderate Persistent Asthma (Correct Answer)
D. Severe Persistent Asthma

Explanation: ***Moderate Persistent Asthma*** - This classification is characterized by **daily asthma symptoms** [1] and **nighttime awakenings occurring 3-4 times per week**. The patient's symptoms fit this description. - The patient's presentation of daily symptoms and 2-3 nighttime awakenings per week indicates a level of severity that surpasses mild persistent asthma but does not meet the criteria for severe persistent asthma [1]. *Intermittent Asthma* - This classification involves symptoms less than **twice a week** and nighttime awakenings less than **twice a month**. - The patient's symptoms are daily, which exceeds the criteria for intermittent asthma. *Mild Persistent Asthma* - This type features symptoms more than **twice a week** but less than **daily**, and nighttime awakenings occurring 3-4 times per month [1]. - The patient experiences daily symptoms, which is more frequent than what is seen in mild persistent asthma. *Severe Persistent Asthma* - This classification involves symptoms throughout the **day** and nighttime awakenings **every night** or multiple times a week (7 nights/week). Also, the patient has a very limited activity level. - While the patient has daily symptoms, the frequency of nighttime awakenings is not severe enough to be classified as severe persistent asthma.

Question 812: Which of the following is the most characteristic laboratory finding in sarcoidosis?

A. Pleural effusion is common in sarcoidosis
B. Elevated level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) (Correct Answer)
C. Facial nerve palsy is the most common neurological manifestation
D. Bilateral parotid enlargement is the most common presentation

Explanation: ***Elevated level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)*** - **Elevated ACE levels** are a classic laboratory finding in active sarcoidosis, reflecting the increased activity of **macrophages** and **epithelioid cells** within the granulomas. - While not diagnostic on its own, it is a highly **characteristic marker** that correlates with disease activity in many patients. *Pleural effusion is common in sarcoidosis* - **Pleural effusions** are **uncommon** in sarcoidosis, occurring in less than 5% of cases. - When present, they are often small and lymphocytic but not a typical or common feature. *Facial nerve palsy is the most common neurological manifestation* - While **facial nerve palsy** can occur in sarcoidosis (neurosarcoidosis), it is **not the most common neurological manifestation**. - **Cranial neuropathies** (especially facial nerve palsy) are notable features, but other neurological presentations like **meningitis**, **seizures**, or **peripheral neuropathy** are also seen. *Bilateral parotid enlargement is the most common presentation* - **Parotid gland enlargement** can occur in sarcoidosis, particularly as part of **Heerfordt's syndrome** (uveoparotid fever), but it is **not the most common presentation** of the disease. - The most common initial presentation of sarcoidosis is usually **pulmonary involvement**, often detected incidentally on chest X-ray or presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Question 813: A male patient presents to the emergency department. The arterial blood gas report is as follows: pH, 7.2; pCO2, 81 mmHg; and HCO3, 40 meq/L. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory acidosis (Correct Answer)
D. Metabolic alkalosis

Explanation: ***Respiratory acidosis*** - The **pH of 7.2** indicates **acidemia**, while the **elevated pCO2 (81 mmHg)** points to a primary respiratory problem [2]. - The elevated **HCO3 (40 meq/L)** suggests **renal compensation** attempting to buffer the increased carbonic acid [1]. *Respiratory alkalosis* - This condition presents with an **elevated pH (alkalemia)** and a **decreased pCO2**, which is opposite to the given ABG values [2]. - While there might be metabolic compensation with a decreased HCO3, the primary disturbance is an increase in respiratory rate leading to excessive CO2 exhalation. *Metabolic acidosis* - Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a **low pH** and a **low HCO3**, with a compensatory decrease in pCO2 [1]. - The given ABG shows a high HCO3, which rules out primary metabolic acidosis. *Metabolic alkalosis* - This condition would typically show an **elevated pH** and an **elevated HCO3**, with a compensatory increase in pCO2. - While both HCO3 and pCO2 are high in the given ABG, the low pH points to a primary acidosis, not alkalosis.

Question 814: A patient with a known case of acute pancreatitis develops breathlessness and bilateral basal crepitations on day 4. What is the most likely diagnosis based on the chest radiography image?

A. Bilateral pneumonia
B. Carcinogenic Pulmonary Embolism
C. Lung collapse (atelectasis)
D. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)*** - The chest radiograph shows **bilateral patchy infiltrates** and **diffuse alveolar opacities** consistent with ARDS, especially in the context of **acute pancreatitis** as a known risk factor. - The development of **breathlessness** and **bilateral basal crepitations** (rales) on day 4 further supports ARDS due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. *Bilateral pneumonia* - While pneumonia can cause bilateral infiltrates, the **symmetrical and widespread distribution** seen on this radiograph, combined with the context of acute pancreatitis, makes ARDS a more likely diagnosis. - Pneumonia typically presents with fever, productive cough, and lung consolidation, which are not specifically highlighted as primary symptoms over the breathlessness. *Carcinogenic Pulmonary Embolism* - Pulmonary embolism typically manifests with **sudden onset dyspnea**, pleuritic chest pain, and sometimes hemoptysis, and chest X-rays are often normal or show subtle findings like a **Westermark sign** or Hampton's hump. - The widespread bilateral infiltrates seen in the image are **not characteristic of pulmonary embolism**. *Lung collapse (atelectasis)* - Atelectasis usually appears as a ** localised area of increased opacification**, often with volume loss (e.g., tracheal deviation, elevated hemidiaphragm), and is often unilateral or segmental. - The **diffuse, bilateral, and often fluffy infiltrates** seen in this image are not consistent with typical atelectasis.

Question 815: A patient with a history of carcinoma of the bladder presents with dyspnoea, clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and tachycardia. Based on the Wells score for pulmonary embolism, what is the risk classification for this patient?

A. Moderate risk for pulmonary embolism (Correct Answer)
B. Insufficient data to assess risk
C. Low risk for pulmonary embolism
D. High risk for pulmonary embolism

Explanation: ***Moderate risk for pulmonary embolism*** - This patient accumulates several points on the Wells score: **malignancy** (1 point), **tachycardia** (HR > 100 bpm, 1.5 points), and **clinical signs of DVT** (3 points). [1] - A total score of 5.5 points falls into the **moderate risk category** (2 to 6 points) for pulmonary embolism. *Insufficient data to assess risk* - The provided clinical information, including a history of malignancy, dyspnoea, tachycardia, and signs of DVT, offers sufficient data for Wells score calculation. - The Wells score is designed to assess the pre-test probability of PE using readily available clinical parameters. [1] *Low risk for pulmonary embolism* - A low risk classification would require a Wells score of less than 2 points, which is not the case here given the patient's symptoms and history. - This patient's symptoms are highly suggestive of PE, making a low risk classification inappropriate. *High risk for pulmonary embolism* - A high risk classification typically corresponds to a Wells score greater than 6 points. - While concerning, a score of 5.5 points places the patient in the moderate rather than high-risk category.

Question 816: Oxygen therapy may not be useful in

A. Pneumonia
B. Subglottic stenosis
C. Asthma
D. Pulmonary fibrosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Pulmonary fibrosis** - Oxygen therapy is beneficial in **pulmonary fibrosis**, especially with exercise or at night, as it can significantly improve **oxygen saturation** and relieve **dyspnea**. - While not a cure, it improves quality of life by combating the effects of **scarring** in the lungs. *Asthma* - Oxygen therapy is a critical component in the management of **acute severe asthma** to correct **hypoxemia**. - It is often administered along with **bronchodilators** and **corticosteroids** to stabilize the patient's respiratory status. *Pneumonia* - Oxygen therapy is commonly used in pneumonia patients who develop **hypoxemia** due to impaired gas exchange in affected lung areas. - Supplemental oxygen helps maintain adequate **tissue oxygenation** and can prevent complications from severe respiratory distress. *Subglottic stenosis* - While supplemental oxygen can be administered, the primary intervention for **subglottic stenosis** often involves addressing the **airway obstruction** directly. - The benefit of oxygen therapy alone is limited due to the mechanical restriction of airflow, which may require surgical or interventional procedures.

Question 817: Which of the following is least likely to be associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?

A. Pleural effusion (Correct Answer)
B. Occurrence in patients with old cavitary lesions
C. Elevated IgE levels
D. Recurrent respiratory symptoms

Explanation: ***Pleural effusion*** - **Pleural effusions** are rare in ABPA because it is primarily an airway disease, affecting the bronchi and parenchyma, not typically the pleura. - While other conditions causing lung disease can lead to pleural effusions, ABPA itself does not commonly involve the development of **fluid in the pleural space**. *Occurrence in patients with old cavitary lesions* - ABPA can sometimes occur in patients with pre-existing lung conditions, including those with old cavitary lesions, especially if these lesions create an environment conducive to **fungal growth**. - However, **aspergilloma** (a fungal ball within a cavity) is more directly associated with cavitary lesions, distinct from the allergic reaction of ABPA [1]. *Elevated IgE levels* - **Elevated serum total IgE levels** (typically >1000 IU/mL) are a key diagnostic criterion for ABPA, indicating a significant allergic response. - Both **total IgE** and **Aspergillus-specific IgE** are characteristically high due to the hypersensitivity reaction. *Recurrent respiratory symptoms* - Patients with ABPA frequently experience **recurrent respiratory symptoms** such as **wheezing**, **cough**, and **dyspnea** due to inflammation and bronchospasm. - These recurrent symptoms contribute to progressive lung damage if the condition is not adequately managed.

Question 818: What does a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio typically indicate in pulmonary function tests?

A. Normal pulmonary function
B. Obstructive lung disease (Correct Answer)
C. Restrictive lung disease
D. Both obstructive and restrictive lung disease

Explanation: ***Obstructive lung disease*** - A decreased **FEV1/FVC ratio** indicates that the amount of air forcefully exhaled in one second (FEV1) is disproportionately low compared to the total forced vital capacity (FVC) [1]. This is a hallmark of **airflow limitation**, distinguishing obstructive lung diseases. - This pattern suggests a problem with **airway narrowing** or obstruction, making it difficult to exhale air quickly, which is characteristic of conditions like **COPD** (emphysema, chronic bronchitis) or **asthma** [1]. *Normal pulmonary function* - In normal pulmonary function, the **FEV1/FVC ratio** would be within the expected reference range, typically **above 70%** (or 0.7) for adults [1]. - A low ratio explicitly indicates a deviation from normal airflow dynamics, not a state of healthy lung function. *Restrictive lung disease* - **Restrictive lung diseases** are characterized by a **reduced total lung volume** (decreased FVC), but the FEV1/FVC ratio is typically **normal or even increased**. - This is because the airways are generally not obstructed; instead, the problem lies with the lungs' inability to expand fully, leading to a proportional reduction in FEV1 and FVC. *Both obstructive and restrictive lung disease* - While it is possible to have both conditions, a **decreased FEV1/FVC ratio** primarily points to an **obstructive pattern**. - A definitive diagnosis of both would require further interpretation of other PFT parameters such as **total lung capacity (TLC)**, which would be normal or increased in obstruction and reduced in restriction.

Question 819: All of the following may lead to pneumatocele formation except which of the following?

A. Staphylococcal pneumonia
B. Positive pressure ventilation
C. Hydrocarbon inhalation
D. ARDS (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***ARDS*** - **Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)** is primarily characterized by **inflammatory lung injury**, leading to **alveolar edema**, but does not typically cause pneumatocele formation [1]. - Pneumatoceles are more likely associated with infections or mechanical ventilation, not with ARDS itself. *Staphylococcal pneumonia* - **Staphylococcal pneumonia** can lead to pneumatocele formation due to **necrotizing pneumonia**, where the formation of air-filled cysts occurs from lung tissue damage. - This type of pneumonia is associated with **Staphylococcus aureus** and can cause cavitary lesions. *Positive pressure ventilation* - **Positive pressure ventilation** can increase the risk of barotrauma, leading to the formation of pneumatocele through excess air entering lung tissue. - It is often used in cases of respiratory distress but can inadvertently contribute to pneumatocele development. *Hydrocarbon inhalation* - **Hydrocarbon inhalation** is linked to pneumonitis and can cause lung injury, leading to the formation of **pneumatoceles** as a result of **lung inflammation**. - Such inhalation can create **alveolar damage**, allowing for air-filled spaces to develop.

Question 820: Post-tubercular bronchiectasis is most commonly seen with

A. Pertussis
B. Cystic fibrosis
C. Kartagener syndrome
D. Tuberculosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Tuberculosis*** - **Tuberculosis (TB)**, particularly childhood TB, is a leading cause of post-infectious bronchiectasis, especially in regions with high TB prevalence [1]. - The inflammatory and destructive processes associated with TB infection in the lungs can lead to irreversible dilation and damage of the bronchi [1]. *Pertussis* - While **pertussis** can cause severe respiratory inflammation and chronic cough, it is a less common cause of widespread, irreversible bronchiectasis compared to tuberculosis [1]. - The damage caused by pertussis is typically more acute and less likely to lead to long-term structural changes like those seen in post-tubercular bronchiectasis. *Cystic fibrosis* - **Cystic fibrosis** is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to chronic infections and bronchiectasis [1]. - However, post-tubercular bronchiectasis refers specifically to bronchiectasis developing *after* a tuberculosis infection, not as a primary genetic condition. *Kartagener syndrome* - **Kartagener syndrome** is a genetic disorder characterized by defects in ciliary function, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent respiratory infections, which can result in bronchiectasis [1]. - Similar to cystic fibrosis, this is a primary genetic cause of bronchiectasis, distinct from bronchiectasis occurring as a sequela of tuberculosis.

Practice by Chapter

Obstructive Airway Diseases (Asthma, COPD)

Practice Questions

Interstitial Lung Diseases

Practice Questions

Pulmonary Infections

Practice Questions

Pulmonary Vascular Diseases

Practice Questions

Pleural Diseases

Practice Questions

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Practice Questions

Respiratory Failure

Practice Questions

Mediastinal Disorders

Practice Questions

Occupational Lung Diseases

Practice Questions

Pulmonary Function Testing

Practice Questions

Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis

Practice Questions

Lung Cancer Approach

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free