Lower Respiratory Tract Infections - Respiratory alkalosis

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Dr Patsy Lill
Professor Emerita
University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Respiratory alkalosis

A 39-year-old man presented with progressive exertional, dyspnea, non-productive cough, chest discomfort, weight loss and chills. Physical examination showed BP 129/72, temperature 39.4, tachypnea, tachycardia, and mild crackles and rhonchi. His LDH was 450 U/L. He was in respiratory alkalosis with decreased vital capacity, hypoxemic, and an increased alveolar-arterial gradient. X-rays showed bilaterial infiltrates extending from the perihilar region.

Which of the following white blood cell abnormalities would MOST likely be found in this patient?

1. Decreased CD4+ lymphocytes
2. Monocytosis
3. Atypical lymphocytes
4. Decreased NK cells
5. Increased CD8+ lymphocytes

ANSWER

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Pathology questions by Dr Patsy Lill