Respiratory Pathology Mcqs
Respiratory Pathology Mcqs
1. A 65-year-old man presents with progressive dyspnea, chronic cough with mucus production,
and a 40-pack-year smoking history. Pulmonary function tests show airflow limitation that is not
fully reversible. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Asthma
B) Pneumonia
D) Pulmonary fibrosis
Explanation: The clinical presentation of progressive dyspnea, chronic cough with mucus
production, and a long history of smoking is highly suggestive of COPD. COPD is characterized
by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, which is consistent with the pulmonary function
test results described ((5)) ((6)).
2. A 28-year-old woman presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and
shortness of breath. Her symptoms worsen at night and with exercise. Which of the following is
the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Spirometry
C) Bronchoscopy
D) Sputum culture
3. A 50-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure presents with progressive dyspnea
and chest pain. Chest X-ray reveals bilateral pleural plaques and diffuse interstitial lung disease.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Pneumoconiosis
B) Tuberculosis
C) Mesothelioma
D) Lung cancer
Explanation: The history of asbestos exposure, along with the radiographic findings of bilateral
pleural plaques and diffuse interstitial lung disease, is highly suggestive of pneumoconiosis,
specifically asbestosis.
B) Cystic fibrosis
D) Sarcoidosis
Correct Answer: B) Cystic fibrosis
5. A 55-year-old man presents with sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath.
He has a history of deep vein thrombosis. D-dimer test is elevated. What is the most appropriate
next diagnostic step?
A) Chest X-ray
C) CT pulmonary angiography
D) Bronchoscopy
Explanation: The sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath, along with a
history of deep vein thrombosis and elevated D-dimer, is highly suspicious for pulmonary
embolism. CT pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
6. A 70-year-old man with a 50 pack-year smoking history presents with hemoptysis, weight loss,
and a persistent cough. Chest CT reveals a spiculated mass in the right upper lobe. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Tuberculosis
B) Lung abscess
C) Bronchiectasis
D) Lung cancer
Correct Answer: D) Lung cancer
Explanation: The combination of hemoptysis, weight loss, persistent cough in a patient with a
significant smoking history, and a spiculated mass on CT is highly suggestive of lung cancer
((426)) ((427)) ((428)).
7. A 25-year-old woman presents with dyspnea, chest pain, and a dry cough. Chest X-ray shows
bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A) Pneumonia
B) Sarcoidosis
C) Lymphoma
D) Tuberculosis
Explanation: The clinical presentation of dyspnea, chest pain, and dry cough, along with the
radiographic findings of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates, is
characteristic of sarcoidosis.
8. A 60-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with worsening dyspnea, increased
sputum production, and fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Pneumonia
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) COPD exacerbation
D) Lung cancer
Explanation: In a patient with known COPD, the presentation of worsening dyspnea, increased
sputum production, and fever is consistent with a COPD exacerbation.
9. A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and bilateral crackles on
auscultation. High-resolution CT shows bilateral reticular opacities and honeycombing. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A) Chronic bronchitis
B) Emphysema
D) Bronchiectasis
Explanation: The clinical presentation of progressive dyspnea and dry cough, along with bilateral
crackles on auscultation and CT findings of reticular opacities and honeycombing, is
characteristic of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ((521)) ((522)).
10. A 30-year-old man presents with fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a productive cough
with blood-tinged sputum. Chest X-ray shows upper lobe infiltrates with cavitation. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Lung abscess
B) Tuberculosis
C) Pneumocystis pneumonia
D) Aspergillosis
Explanation: The clinical presentation of fever, night sweats, weight loss, and productive cough
with blood-tinged sputum, along with upper lobe infiltrates and cavitation on chest X-ray, is
highly suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis ((281)) ((282)) ((283)).
11. A 50-year-old woman presents with gradually worsening shortness of breath and a dry
cough for the past 6 months. She works as a pigeon breeder. Chest CT shows diffuse ground-
glass opacities. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Asthma
B) COPD
C) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
D) Sarcoidosis
Explanation: The history of pigeon breeding, along with gradually worsening shortness of breath,
dry cough, and CT findings of diffuse ground-glass opacities, is suggestive of hypersensitivity
pneumonitis, also known as bird fancier's lung.
12. A 35-year-old man with a history of asthma presents with sudden onset of chest pain and
dyspnea. Chest X-ray shows a small pneumothorax. What is the most appropriate initial
management?
C) Needle aspiration
13. A 65-year-old smoker presents with a 2-month history of hoarseness and hemoptysis. Chest
CT reveals a central mass in the left main bronchus. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Adenocarcinoma
14. A 40-year-old woman presents with progressive dyspnea, fatigue, and syncope.
Echocardiogram shows right ventricular dilatation and elevated pulmonary artery pressure.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Coronary artery disease
B) Pulmonary hypertension
D) Pericarditis
15. A 55-year-old man with a history of HIV presents with fever, nonproductive cough, and
progressive dyspnea. Chest X-ray shows bilateral interstitial infiltrates. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A) Bacterial pneumonia
C) Tuberculosis
D) Kaposi's sarcoma
16. A 30-year-old woman presents with recurrent episodes of cough, wheezing, and shortness
of breath. Symptoms worsen with exposure to cold air and during exercise. Spirometry shows
reversible airflow obstruction. What is the most appropriate long-term management?
A) Short-acting beta-agonists as needed
B) Inhaled corticosteroids
D) Theophylline
17. A 60-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with worsening dyspnea and cough. His
oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Arterial blood gas shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 60 mmHg,
PaO2 55 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management?
Explanation: In COPD patients with acute respiratory failure, controlled oxygen therapy targeting
an SpO2 of 88-92% is recommended to avoid hypercapnia while providing adequate oxygenation.
18. A 25-year-old woman presents with recurrent sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and infertility.
Microscopic examination of respiratory epithelium shows absent ciliary motion. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Cystic fibrosis
D) Kartagener syndrome
Explanation: The combination of recurrent sinusitis, bronchiectasis, infertility, and absent ciliary
motion is characteristic of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Kartagener syndrome is a subtype of
primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with situs inversus ((7)) ((8)).
19. A 70-year-old man with a history of smoking presents with weight loss, fatigue, and
gynecomastia. Chest CT shows a peripheral lung mass. Laboratory tests reveal hyponatremia.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
C) Adenocarcinoma
Explanation: The combination of a smoking history, peripheral lung mass, and paraneoplastic
syndromes (hyponatremia suggesting SIADH, and gynecomastia) is most consistent with small
cell lung cancer ((435)) ((436)) ((437)) ((438)).
20. A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive dyspnea, nonproductive cough, and joint
pain. High-resolution CT shows bilateral ground-glass opacities and reticulation. Serological
tests are positive for anti-Jo-1 antibodies. What is the most likely diagnosis?
B) Sarcoidosis
C) Antisynthetase syndrome
21. A 50-year-old man presents with fever, productive cough, and right-sided chest pain. Chest X
-ray shows a large, thick-walled cavity in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Tuberculosis
B) Lung abscess
C) Bronchogenic cyst
D) Emphysema
Explanation: The presentation of fever, productive cough, and chest pain, along with a large,
thick-walled cavity on chest X-ray, is most consistent with a lung abscess ((284)) ((285)) ((286)).
22. A 35-year-old woman presents with recurrent hemoptysis and multiple round opacities on
chest CT. She has a history of recurrent nosebleeds. What is the most likely diagnosis?
D) Goodpasture syndrome
23. A 60-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with sudden onset of dyspnea and chest
pain. Chest X-ray shows a large pneumothorax. What is the most appropriate immediate
management?
B) Needle aspiration
Explanation: For a large pneumothorax in a patient with underlying lung disease (COPD),
immediate chest tube insertion is the most appropriate management to re-expand the lung and
prevent tension pneumothorax ((14)) ((15)).
24. A 40-year-old woman presents with progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and fatigue. She has a
history of rheumatoid arthritis. High-resolution CT shows bilateral reticular opacities and
traction bronchiectasis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) COPD
D) Sarcoidosis
---
**MCQ 1:**
A 65-year-old male smoker presents with a persistent cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss. A
chest X-ray reveals a mass in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Chronic bronchitis
b) Tuberculosis
c) Lung cancer
d) Pneumonia
---
**MCQ 2:**
A 30-year-old woman with a family history of asthma presents with wheezing, shortness of
breath, and chest tightness that worsen at night. Spirometry shows a reversible obstruction.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
b) Asthma
c) Bronchiectasis
d) Pulmonary fibrosis
---
**MCQ 3:**
A 55-year-old man presents with a history of gradual onset dyspnea, a chronic productive cough,
and cyanosis. Physical examination reveals clubbing and crackles. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
b) Pneumonia
c) Emphysema
d) Tuberculosis
*Explanation:* The clinical features, including gradual dyspnea, chronic productive cough,
clubbing, and crackles suggest interstitial lung disease.
---
**MCQ 4:**
A child presents with a "croupy" cough, stridor, and respiratory distress. The symptoms began
after a recent upper respiratory infection. What is the most likely condition?
a) Asthma
b) Laryngotracheobronchitis
c) Bronchiolitis
d) Epiglottitis
---
**MCQ 5:**
A 40-year-old woman with a history of allergies presents with acute onset of dyspnea after
exposure to pet dander. She is using her albuterol inhaler frequently with little relief. What is the
most appropriate initial management?
a) Oral corticosteroids
d) Intravenous medications
*Explanation:* Given the acute severity and the inadequate response to albuterol, a short course
of oral corticosteroids is often effective in controlling asthma exacerbations.
---
**MCQ 6:**
A 70-year-old male presents with shortness of breath and wheezing over the past few months.
He has a 30-pack-year smoking history. Lung function tests show an obstructive pattern with
significant reversibility. What is the likely diagnosis?
a) Asthma
b) Chronic bronchitis
c) Emphysema
d) COPD
*Explanation:* COPD encompasses conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The
significant history of smoking alongside an obstructive pattern indicates COPD as the
overarching diagnosis.
---
**MCQ 7:**
A patient with a history of poorly managed asthma presents to the emergency department with
severe wheezing and chest tightness. Physical examination shows hyperresonance on
percussion. What complication should be considered?
a) Pneumothorax
b) Pulmonary embolism
c) Atelectasis
d) Pulmonary hypertension
---
**MCQ 8:**
A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue and hemoptysis. A CT scan of the chest reveals a
pulmonary nodule and enlarged lymph nodes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Tuberculosis
c) Histoplasmosis
d) Sarcoidosis
---
**MCQ 9:**
a) Streptococcal infection
b) Viral pharyngitis
c) Diphtheria
d) Infectious mononucleosis
---
**MCQ 10:**
A middle-aged man presents with worsening dyspnea on exertion and a dry cough. He has a 20-
year history of working in construction. A chest X-ray shows interstitial fibrosis. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
a) Lung cancer
c) Asbestosis
d) Silicosis
---
**MCQ 11:**
A 35-year-old female presents to the clinic with a history of shortness of breath, dry cough, and
a feeling of chest tightness that worsens at night. She reports symptoms began after moving to
a new apartment. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Asthma
c) Allergic rhinitis
d) Pulmonary fibrosis
*Explanation:* The presentation of nighttime symptoms and a dry cough suggests asthma,
which is commonly triggered by allergens or irritants in a new environment.
---
**MCQ 12:**
A 50-year-old man with a history of heavy smoking presents with a chronic cough and
production of large amounts of mucopurulent sputum. Chest X-ray shows bronchial wall
thickening. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Emphysema
b) Chronic bronchitis
c) Lung cancer
d) Tuberculosis
*Explanation:* Chronic bronchitis is defined by productive cough and mucus production due to
irritation of airways, particularly in smokers.
---
**MCQ 13:**
A young child presents with a barking cough, stridor, and difficulty breathing following a recent
upper respiratory infection. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Bronchitis
b) Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
c) Asthma
d) Epiglottitis
*Explanation:* Croup commonly follows a viral upper respiratory infection and is characterized
by a barking cough and stridor.
---
**MCQ 14:**
An adult patient presents with chest pain, fever, and coughing up rust-colored sputum. A chest
X-ray shows lobar consolidation. What is the most common causative organism?
a) Staphylococcus aureus
b) Streptococcus pneumoniae
c) Haemophilus influenzae
d) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
---
**MCQ 15:**
A patient with a history of asthma presents with sudden onset of dyspnea and wheezing after
exposure to cold air. What is the best immediate treatment?
c) Oral corticosteroids
*Explanation:* A short-acting beta agonist (like albuterol) is the best immediate treatment for
acute asthma exacerbations.
---
**MCQ 16:**
A 40-year-old man presents with increasing dyspnea and a chronic cough that has worsened
over the past year. He has a history of exposure to asbestos. A pleural effusion is noted on
examination. What is the most likely condition?
a) Mesothelioma
b) Lung cancer
c) Asbestosis
d) Pleural pneumonia
*Explanation:* The history of asbestos exposure and respiratory symptoms indicate the
possibility of mesothelioma, a type of cancer associated with asbestos.
---
**MCQ 17:**
An individual has just been diagnosed with tuberculosis and is started on anti-tuberculosis
therapy. What is the key initial management for preventing the transmission of the disease to
others?
a) Surgical intervention
b) Isolation
c) Immunization
*Explanation:* Isolating the patient during the early phases of treatment helps prevent the
spread of tuberculosis to others, particularly in crowded environments.
---
**MCQ 18:**
What type of lung disorder is typically characterized by decreased FEV1/FVC ratio due to
obstruction?
*Explanation:* In obstructive lung diseases (like asthma and COPD), the FEV1 is reduced more
than the FVC, leading to a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio.
---
**MCQ 19:**
A 30-year-old patient presents with dyspnea and significant wheezing after exposure to dust in a
farm environment. What is the likely diagnosis?
a) Pneumoconiosis
b) Asthma
c) Chronic bronchitis
d) Allergic rhinitis
*Explanation:* The acute onset of dyspnea and wheezing after exposure to allergens (like dust)
is characteristic of asthma.
---
**MCQ 20:**
A patient arrives at the ER with difficulty breathing, stridor, and a history of recent travel. An X-
ray shows a "thumbprint" sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Croup
b) Epiglottitis
c) Allergic reaction
d) Laryngotracheitis
*Explanation:* The "thumbprint" sign on X-ray is classic for epiglottitis, indicating swelling of the
epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway.
**MCQ 21:**
A 70-year-old female, a former smoker, presents with weight loss, a chronic cough, and blood-
streaked sputum. A chest CT scan reveals a lung mass with mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Tuberculosis
b) Lung cancer
c) Pneumonia
*Explanation:* The combination of risk factors (smoking), symptoms, and findings consistent
with a lung mass and lymphadenopathy suggests lung cancer.
---
**MCQ 22:**
A child presents with a sudden onset of fever, cough, and respiratory distress. Examination
reveals stridor and a barking cough. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Epiglottitis
b) Asthma
c) Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
d) Bronchiolitis
*Explanation:* Croup typically presents with a distinctive barking cough and stridor following a
viral upper respiratory infection.
---
**MCQ 23:**
An elderly patient with a history of chronic bronchitis presents with cyanosis, wheezing, and
barrel-shaped chest. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Emphysema
b) Asthma
c) Pneumonia
d) Tuberculosis
*Explanation:* The patient's history of chronic bronchitis, cyanosis, and barrel chest suggests
emphysema, which causes hyperinflation and impaired gas exchange.
---
**MCQ 24:**
A 55-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure develops dyspnea and pleuritic chest
pain. A chest X-ray reveals a pleural thickening. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Lung cancer
b) Pulmonary fibrosis
c) Mesothelioma
d) Pleural effusion
*Explanation:* Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure and often presents with
pleural thickening and symptoms of respiratory distress.
---
**MCQ 25:**
Following a recent viral infection, a child presents with wheezing and difficulty breathing. The
child has a history of asthma. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?
a) Oral corticosteroids
c) Intravenous fluids
*Explanation:* A short-acting beta agonist (SABA) like albuterol is used for quick relief of acute
asthma symptoms, especially during wheezing episodes.
---
**MCQ 26:**
A young adult presents with a persistent cough, weight loss, and night sweats. A chest X-ray
shows cavitary lesions in the upper lobes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Lung cancer
b) Sarcoidosis
c) Tuberculosis
d) Pulmonary embolism
*Explanation:* Cavitary lesions in the upper lobes with systemic symptoms suggest a diagnosis
of pulmonary tuberculosis.
---
**MCQ 27:**
A 40-year-old woman with a history of asthma presents to the ER with acute respiratory distress.
What is the best immediate action?
a) Start IV corticosteroids
b) Administer oxygen
c) Perform intubation
---
**MCQ 28:**
A patient presents with wheezing, chest tightness, and dry cough that worsens at night and
early in the morning. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) COPD
b) Asthma
c) Bronchiectasis
*Explanation:* The symptoms are characteristic of asthma, which presents with nighttime and
early morning symptoms due to airway hyperreactivity.
---
**MCQ 29:**
What is the most likely pathogen in a patient with **hospital-acquired pneumonia** who was
recently intubated?
a) Streptococcus pneumoniae
b) Legionella pneumophila
c) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
d) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
---
**MCQ 30:**
A 6-year-old child presents with difficulty breathing, and the lungs are auscultated with
wheezing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Croup
b) Bronchiolitis
c) Asthma
d) Pneumonia
*Explanation:* The presence of wheezing in the context of difficulty breathing typically indicates
asthma, particularly in children with such symptoms.
Thank you for your feedback! Let’s create a fresh set of scenario-based MCQs on respiratory
pathology that explore different aspects of the subject, covering various concepts and clinical
situations. Here’s a new set of questions:
### 100 Scenario-Based MCQs on Respiratory Pathology (Different Concepts)
---
**MCQ 1:**
b) Pulmonary edema
c) Bronchiectasis
d) Lung cancer
*Explanation:* The reticular opacities and ground-glass opacities on the CT suggest a restrictive
lung disease, typically seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
---
**MCQ 2:**
A 25-year-old male presents with severe shortness of breath and chest pain following a viral
upper respiratory infection. He has a history of asthma. An examination reveals decreased
breath sounds and dullness on percussion. What is the likely diagnosis?
a) Pneumothorax
b) Pulmonary embolism
c) Pleural effusion
---
**MCQ 3:**
A 60-year-old male smoker complains of chronic cough, wheezing, and recent weight loss. His
chest X-ray reveals a large mass in the right lung. A biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma.
What paraneoplastic syndrome is he most likely to develop?
a) Hypercalcemia
b) Cushing's syndrome
c) Hyponatremia
d) Polycythemia
*Explanation:* Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung can lead to paraneoplastic hypercalcemia
due to the production of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP).
---
**MCQ 4:**
A patient is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism after presenting with acute onset shortness of
breath and pleuritic chest pain. What is the primary imaging study used to confirm this
diagnosis?
a) CT pulmonary angiography
b) Chest X-ray
---
**MCQ 5:**
A pediatric patient presents with stridor and difficulty breathing after a recent upper respiratory
infection. Physical exam shows a "barking" cough. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Epiglottitis
b) Croup
c) Bronchiolitis
d) Laryngitis
---
**MCQ 6:**
A 75-year-old man presents with worsening cough, weight loss, and hemoptysis. A chest CT
scan reveals a mass in the left lung with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
a) Chronic bronchitis
b) Tuberculosis
c) Lung cancer
d) Pneumonia
---
**MCQ 7:**
A 4-year-old child has been hospitalized for several days with fever, wheezing, and difficulty
breathing. He was diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Which virus is most commonly associated with
this condition?
a) Influenza virus
c) Adenovirus
d) Parainfluenza virus
*Explanation:* RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children, particularly those
under 2 years of age.
---
**MCQ 8:**
A 65-year-old female with a history of long-term smoking presents with chronic cough and
hemoptysis. Chest X-ray shows a mass in the right lung. What type of lung cancer is most likely
given her smoking history?
a) Adenocarcinoma
---
**MCQ 9:**
A toddler is brought to the clinic with a cough, difficulty breathing, and a history of recent
vaccination. Physical examination reveals wheezing and crackles. What is the most likely
condition?
a) Asthma
b) RSV infection
c) Croup
d) Allergic reaction
*Explanation:* The clinical presentation is typical of a viral infection, especially RSV, which is
common in young children.
---
**MCQ 10:**
a) Pulmonary fibrosis
b) Pleural effusion
c) Pulmonary embolism
d) Lung cancer
---
**MCQ 11:**
A 32-year-old male presents with a history of shortness of breath and a dry cough. He has been
exposed to asbestos at work for 10 years. Imaging studies show pleural plaques. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
a) Mesothelioma
b) Asbestosis
d) Pulmonary fibrosis
---
**MCQ 12:**
An elderly patient presents with increasing dyspnea on exertion, a chronic cough, and crackles
upon lung auscultation. Spirometry reveals a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
a) Emphysema
b) Asthma
c) Chronic bronchitis
*Explanation:* The pattern of obstructive lung disease with a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio and the
lifestyle risk factors suggest emphysema.
---
**MCQ 13:**
A child with a recent diagnosis of asthma is being treated with inhaled corticosteroids. What is
the primary mechanism of action of corticosteroids in asthma management?
a) Bronchodilation
---
**MCQ 14:**
A 45-year-old male presents with sudden onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain after recent
surgery. A CT scan reveals a large pulmonary embolism. What is the most appropriate
immediate treatment?
a) Anticoagulation therapy
b) Thrombolytic therapy
c) Oxygen supplementation
d) Surgical thrombectomy
---
**MCQ 15:**
A 27-year-old female presents with shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough. Physical
examination shows inspiratory crackles. Imaging reveals reticular patterns in the lower lung
fields. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Pulmonary embolism
c) Asthma
d) Pneumonia
*Explanation:* The clinical findings and imaging patterns suggest interstitial lung disease,
frequently characterized by restrictive lung patterns.
---
**MCQ 16:**
A patient diagnosed with sarcoidosis presents with hilar lymphadenopathy and respiratory
symptoms. What laboratory finding is likely to be elevated?
a) Serum calcium
b) Serum creatinine
c) Serum potassium
d) Liver enzymes
---
**MCQ 17:**
In patients with pulmonary hypertension, what is the expected change in cardiac function?
---
**MCQ 18:**
What characteristic finding is expected in a patient with croup during physical examination?
a) Muffled voice
b) Stridor
c) Wheezing
d) Cyanosis
*Explanation:* Croup is characterized by stridor due to inflammation in the upper airways, often
following a viral infection.
---
**MCQ 19:**
A patient presents with a cough, night sweats, and hemoptysis. A chest X-ray shows cavitary
lesions in the upper lobes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Lung abscess
b) Granulomatous disease
c) Tuberculosis
d) Bacterial pneumonia
*Explanation:* The presentation of cavitary lesions along with systemic symptoms suggests
pulmonary tuberculosis.
---
**MCQ 20:**
a) Viral pneumonia
b) Atypical pneumonia
c) Community-acquired pneumonia
d) Aspiration pneumonia
**Correct Answer:** c) Community-acquired pneumonia
---
**MCQ 1:**
a) Antibody production
b) Phagocytosis of pathogens
c) Clot formation
*Explanation:* Neutrophils are critical in the innate immune response and primarily responsible
for engulfing and destroying pathogens.
---
**MCQ 2:**
*Explanation:* Auer rods are characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia, indicating myeloid
lineage of the blasts.
---
**MCQ 3:**
What is the most common type of white blood cell in the peripheral blood?
a) Lymphocytes
b) Monocytes
c) Neutrophils
d) Eosinophils
*Explanation:* Neutrophils constitute about 50%-70% of the total white blood cell count in
healthy adults.
---
**MCQ 4:**
---
**MCQ 5:**
c) Myelodysplastic syndrome
d) Multiple myeloma
---
**MCQ 6:**
Which type of white blood cell is primarily involved in the immune response to parasitic
infections?
a) Eosinophils
b) Neutrophils
c) Basophils
d) Lymphocytes
---
**MCQ 7:**
Which laboratory finding is typically associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)?
b) Lymphocytosis
c) Neutrophilia
d) Microcytic anemia
---
**MCQ 8:**
What abnormality is commonly seen on a blood smear in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
(AML)?
a) Mature lymphocytes
b) Blast cells
c) Ringed sideroblasts
d) Target cells
*Explanation:* The presence of numerous blast cells in the peripheral blood is a hallmark of
AML.
---
**MCQ 9:**
b) Aplastic anemia
c) Hemolytic anemia
d) Megaloblastic anemia
*Explanation:* Increased indirect bilirubin levels are characteristic of hemolytic anemia due to
rapid RBC breakdown.
---
**MCQ 10:**
a) Interleukin-1
b) Interleukin-6
c) Interleukin-7
*Explanation:* IL-7 is crucial for B-cell development and maturation in the bone marrow.
---
**MCQ 11:**
A patient diagnosed with **Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)** is most likely to show:
a) Neutrophilia
b) Lymphoblastic cells
c) Monocytosis
d) Eosinophilia
---
**MCQ 12:**
*Explanation:* The presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene confirms the diagnosis of CML.
---
**MCQ 13:**
*Explanation:* CLL is the most prevalent form of chronic leukemia, especially in older adults.
---
**MCQ 14:**
a) Producing antibodies
b) Phagocytosis
d) Clotting
*Explanation:* Monocytes differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, performing critical
phagocytic functions.
---
**MCQ 15:**
a) Auer rods
b) Increased platelets
---
**MCQ 16:**
b) Serum ferritin
c) Hemoglobin electrophoresis
*Explanation:* Serum ferritin is a direct measure of the body's iron stores, making it critical for
diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.
---
**MCQ 17:**
a) Reticulocytopenia
b) Increased reticulocytes
c) Target cells
d) Auer rods
**MCQ 18:**
a) Bacterial pneumonia
b) Parasitic infections
c) Viral infections
d) Fungal infections
---
**MCQ 19:**
b) Serum ferritin
c) Hemoglobin electrophoresis
*Explanation:* A bone marrow biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis by showing the presence of
myeloblasts.
---
**MCQ 20:**
A 25-year-old woman presents with fatigue and pallor. Laboratory tests reveal microcytic,
hypochromic anemia. What is the most likely cause?
a) Iron deficiency
c) Thalassemia
d) Chronic disease
*Explanation:* The characteristic microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells indicate iron
deficiency anemia.
---
**MCQ 21:**
What type of blood cell is primarily affected in **Chronic Myeloid Leukemia** (CML)?
a) Erythroid lineage
b) Lymphoid lineage
c) Myeloid lineage
*Explanation:* CML primarily involves the myeloid lineage, leading to overproduction of myeloid
cells in the blood.
---
**MCQ 22:**
*Explanation:* Elevated indirect bilirubin levels result from increased RBC breakdown in
hemolytic anemia.
---
**MCQ 23:**
a) Pediatric population
b) Young adults
c) Middle-aged adults
d) Elderly adults
*Explanation:* CLL primarily affects older adults, typically over 60 years of age.
---
**MCQ 24:**
a) Leukocytosis
b) Hypocellularity
c) Neutrophil abnormalities
---
**MCQ 25:**
Which of the following is a common test used to assess for **lead poisoning**?
c) Serum ferritin
---
**MCQ 26:**
A patient presents with recurrent respiratory infections and a blood smear shows a decrease in
lymphocytes. What disorder might this indicate?
b) Lymphoma
c) Myelodysplastic syndrome
---
**MCQ 27:**
a) Genetic disorders
b) Infections
c) Blood loss
*Explanation:* Secondary hemolytic anemia can stem from multiple causes including infections,
autoimmune reactions, and other factors.
---
**MCQ 28:**
In patients with **sickle cell disease**, what finding is commonly observed in the blood?
c) Elevated eosinophils
d) Target cells
**MCQ 29:**
c) Increased fibrinolysis
d) Thrombocytopenia
*Explanation:* Bernard-Soulier syndrome results from a defect in the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-
V complex, affecting platelet adhesion to the vessel wall.
---
**MCQ 30:**
a) Antihistamines
b) Epinephrine
c) Corticosteroids
d) Oxygen therapy
*Explanation:* Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, quickly reversing severe
allergic reactions and restoring hemodynamic stability.
---
**MCQ 31:**
a) Jaundice
b) Hyperpigmentation
c) Moon facies
d) Hypoglycemia
*Explanation:* Moon facies are a classic feature of Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol.
---
**MCQ 32:**
a) Reed-Sternberg cells
b) Increased neutrophils
c) Eosinophilia
d) Basophilic stippling
---
**MCQ 33:**
Which of the following types of white blood cells increases in response to a viral infection?
a) Neutrophils
b) Eosinophils
c) Basophils
d) Lymphocytes
*Explanation:* Lymphocyte counts rise significantly during viral infections as part of the
immune response.
---
**MCQ 34:**
a) Antibody deficiency
c) Leukemia
d) Aplastic anemia
---
**MCQ 35:**
Which of the following findings would be typical in a patient with **acute myeloid leukemia**
(AML)?
d) Hypersegmented neutrophils
---
**MCQ 36:**
A 70-year-old man presents with cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss. A CT scan reveals a mass
in the lung. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Pneumonia
b) Lung cancer
c) Tuberculosis
d) Bronchitis
*Explanation:* The symptoms and imaging findings support the diagnosis of lung cancer,
particularly in a heavy smoker.
---
**MCQ 37:**
a) Corticosteroids
*Explanation:* Short-acting beta agonists (e.g., albuterol) are the first-line treatment for rapid
relief of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks.
---
**MCQ 38:**
a) Characteristic "wheeze"
---
**MCQ 39:**
a) Pneumococcal pneumonia
b) Viral pneumonia
c) Aspiration pneumonia
d) Fungal pneumonia
---
**MCQ 40:**
A 55-year-old man comes to the clinic for a routine examination. A chest X-ray shows bilateral
hilar lymphadenopathy. What's the most likely diagnosis?
a) Sarcoidosis
b) Tuberculosis
c) Lung cancer
d) Pneumonia
---
**MCQ 41:**
A patient is at risk for developing lung cancer due to exposure to which of the following?
a) Coal dust
b) Asbestos
c) Tobacco smoke
*Explanation:* All of these exposures are known risk factors for lung cancer.
---
**MCQ 42:**
a) Diabetes mellitus
b) Pulmonary embolism
c) Pulmonary hypertension
d) Aortic dissection
*Explanation:* COPD can lead to pulmonary hypertension due to chronic hypoxia and increased
vascular resistance.
---
**MCQ 43:**
b) Hypersegmented neutrophils
c) Increased eosinophils
*Explanation:* Acute bronchitis typically results in an elevated white blood cell count due to the
inflammatory response.
---
**MCQ 44:**
A 30-year-old male presents with fever, productive cough with purulent sputum, and pleuritic
chest pain. What is the most likely causative organism?
a) Streptococcus pneumoniae
b) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
c) Legionella pneumophila
d) Haemophilus influenzae
*Explanation:*