A 34-Year-Old Man Is Being Evaluated for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory

A 34-year-old man is being evaluated for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.  Two days ago, the patient was brought to the emergency department due to opioid and alcohol intoxication.  While unconscious, he vomited profusely and then rapidly developed hypoxia and shortness of breath that has continued to worsen.  Today, temperature is 38.4 C (101.1 F) , blood pressure is 108/74 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 26/min.  Diffuse crackles are heard on auscultation.  The extremities are warm, well perfused, and without edema.  Chest x-ray reveals bilateral alveolar opacities.  The results of arterial blood gas analysis on room air are as follows: Which of the following pathologic processes is the primary contributor to this patient's lung findings?

A) Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage due to autoantibodies
B) Eosinophil invasion and hyaline membrane formation
C) Lymphocyte-mediated granuloma formation around foreign antigens
D) Release of reactive oxygen species and proteases by neutrophils

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free