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ARDS — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardPulmonary emergenciesARDSABEM Board

A 47-year-old woman with pancreatitis develops worsening dyspnea in the ED. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 104/66 mm Hg, HR 124/min, RR 34/min, SpO2 82% despite high-flow oxygen. Chest radiograph shows bilateral diffuse opacities. Bedside echo shows normal LV function. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with bilateral opacities and no cardiogenic explanation after pancreatitis supports ARDS.

Reference: ARDS Berlin definition; critical care guidance