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Aspiration pneumonitis — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModeratePulmonary emergenciesAspiration pneumonitisABEM Board

A 66-year-old man has a witnessed generalized seizure in the ED and then develops cough and hypoxemia. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 128/76 mm Hg, HR 110/min, RR 26/min, SpO2 90%. Chest radiograph shows a new dependent right lower lobe infiltrate. He is afebrile 30 minutes later. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Aspiration pneumonitis

Acute hypoxemia and dependent infiltrate immediately after aspiration are most consistent with chemical pneumonitis.

Reference: ATS/IDSA pneumonia guidance