Pulmonary pathology: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Pulmonary pathology

Sample item

What is the fundamental abnormality in pulmonary fibrosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Excess interstitial collagen reducing lung compliance

Pulmonary fibrosis increases interstitial collagen, making lungs stiff, reducing compliance, and impairing diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Option by option

  • A. Excess interstitial collagen reducing lung compliance (correct)

    Correct: interstitial scarring produces restrictive physiology.

  • B. Pleural air under pressure

    Pleural pressure air is tension pneumothorax.

  • C. Alveolar air trapping from bronchial collapse

    Air trapping is obstructive disease.

  • D. Mucus plug in a single bronchus

    Mucus plugs are localized airway obstruction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Excess interstitial collagen reducing lung compliance. Pulmonary fibrosis increases interstitial collagen, making lungs stiff, reducing compliance, and impairing diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Why is "Pleural air under pressure" not the answer?

Pleural pressure air is tension pneumothorax.

Why is "Alveolar air trapping from bronchial collapse" not the answer?

Air trapping is obstructive disease.

Why is "Mucus plug in a single bronchus" not the answer?

Mucus plugs are localized airway obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pulmonary pathology in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: interstitial scarring produces restrictive physiology.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pulmonary pathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.