A patient presents to the urgent care clinic with tachycardia, tachypnea, and diffuse crackles upon auscultation. Which of the following findings would be most consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Diffuse bilateral opacities apparent on chest radiograph or computed tomography
Chest X-rays may show hyperinflation, flattening of the diaphragm, and increased anterior-posterior diameter
Occasionally, chest X-ray demonstrates increased interstitial markings consistent with thickening of bronchial walls
The chest X-ray may reveal a consolidation or parapneumonic effusion
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: ARDS is characterized by acute onset of hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates not fully explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload. The hallmark radiographic finding is diffuse bilateral opacities on chest imaging, which reflect alveolar damage and fluid accumulation. This is the most consistent and diagnostic imaging feature of ARDS.
Choice B reason: Hyperinflation, flattened diaphragm, and increased anterior-posterior diameter are typical findings in obstructive lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not ARDS. These features suggest air trapping rather than alveolar flooding or collapse.
Choice C reason: Increased interstitial markings and thickened bronchial walls are more indicative of chronic bronchitis or other interstitial lung diseases. These findings are not specific to ARDS and do not reflect the acute alveolar injury seen in ARDS.
Choice D reason: Consolidation or parapneumonic effusion may be seen in bacterial pneumonia or other infectious processes, but they are not characteristic of ARDS. ARDS typically presents with diffuse, non-lobar infiltrates rather than focal consolidation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This describes the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), not ulcerative colitis. UC affects the colon, not the esophagus.
Choice B reason: This explanation pertains to peptic ulcer disease, where H. pylori and NSAIDs disrupt gastric mucosal defenses. It does not apply to UC, which is an inflammatory bowel disease.
Choice C reason: These factors may influence general gastrointestinal health or contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they do not explain the autoimmune and inflammatory nature of UC.
Choice D reason: Ulcerative colitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon due to defects in the epithelial barrier, dysregulated immune responses, abnormal leukocyte trafficking, and altered gut microbiota. These mechanisms lead to mucosal ulceration, bleeding, and systemic symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning, is a hallmark symptom of osteoarthritis. It typically improves with gentle movement.
Choice B reason: Limited mobility is common in osteoarthritis due to joint degeneration, pain, and structural changes such as osteophyte formation and cartilage loss.
Choice C reason: Joint swelling may occur due to synovial inflammation or effusion, although it is typically mild compared to inflammatory arthritides like rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice D reason: Bruising is not a feature of osteoarthritis. It suggests trauma or a bleeding disorder and is not associated with the degenerative changes seen in OA.
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