Try it
General Medicine · Respiratory medicine: interstitial lung disease
Sample itemA patient has progressive exertional dyspnea, dry cough, bibasal fine end-inspiratory crackles, and clubbing. Which process is most likely?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
B. Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis causes restrictive lung disease with progressive dyspnea, dry cough, clubbing, and fine crackles often described as Velcro-like. Imaging and lung-function testing help characterize cause and severity.
Option by option
A. Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis causes chronic productive cough and recurrent infection.
B. Pulmonary fibrosis (correct)
Correct. This clinical pattern is typical of fibrotic interstitial lung disease.
C. Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion causes reduced breath sounds and stony dullness.
D. Acute asthma
Asthma causes variable airflow obstruction and wheeze.
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 General Medicine questions
- EndocrinologyA 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with vomiting, deep rapid breathing, fruity…
- ElectrolytesWhich is the earliest ECG change in hyperkalaemia?
- Infectious diseaseWhat is the drug of choice for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a patient with advanc…
- NeurologyA chronic alcohol user is brought in confused, with nystagmus and an unsteady gait. What…